So not checking in (Bella) - The House that Sin Built

She carefully crawled over to him and timidly offered herself into his arms, as though she were now worried she would break him somehow. "Everyone else says I'm not cursed, but whispers of Madsen's overthrowing were spreading even while I was there.."

He wrapped his arm around her, reassuringly, almost protectively. He rubbed her shoulder with on hand still attempting to sooth her.

"Your not cursed. I cant promise you nothing will happen to me. But I can promise you if something does it will likely be a fate of my own making and no fault of yours. Regardless that is a maybe that has not happened. All any of us have, even us alleged immortals is right now. What we do with now, the pleasure we can find in now is our balm against a murky future. " He looked down into her eyes, his haunting and soulful for the moment.

"Be here now with me. Let late be later's problem and be here now. Now is such a beautiful and wonderful moment. Lets enjoy it" His voice carried an invitation and he gently urged her closer to embrace him once more.

"Hold me?" She asked quietly, almost as though she were afraid of his response. "Just reassure me you're okay.. for now at least.."

"That, that I can do" And he did he held her in the quiet for as long as she need. Gently stroking her hair from time to time as his arms remained tight and reassuringly wrapped around her.

"Can I sleep here today..?" She asked softly, after quite a long while of silence. "Will you just let me be near you..?"

He lightly kissed her brow and gave her a squeeze. "There is nothing I would like more. Come lets go lay down."

She nodded and leaned her head into the gentle kiss to her brow, after offering a soft, kind smile up to him. "Thank you, Luke..."

He smiled at her but didnt respond to her thanks. Instead her held her close as he slipped from the couch, helping her to her feet as he did and lead her to his bed room and his large soft pillow laden bed.

She crawled onto the bed, still bare as the day she had been born, wiggling a bit to get comfortable. "You're very sweet.."

He smiled a devilish smile as he slipped in beside her and pulled her into his arms once more, sighing pleasantly as their bare flesh touched beneath the sheets.

"At times." He chuckled softly a pleasant and almost sexual sound.

"Well, I'm not sure I knew you were capable." She let her legs wrap with his, giving a small sigh as her eyes closed.

He sighed as well as her smooth skin moved against his. He ran his hands along her back and side seeming to savor the feel of her as he replied in a low chuckle.

" for a special few I am."

"Oh, I'm a special snowflake?" She teased, a calm smile over her features. "How lucky of me."

He chuckled more and gave her a small squeeze "absolutely vexy snowflake esque"

She shook her head a bit, "You're ridiculous.. sorry I freaked out.."

His chuckles subsided and he looked into her eye and smile "well maybe I am a little" the his voice and expression became a touch gentler. "Its alright Bella, I just hope that should we find our selves so entwined again you find the situation more pleasurable then panic strikening."

She nodded a bit, smiling some. "It's nothing against you."

"I gathered as much. It really is ok. I'm glad your better now"

She gave a small nod, nuzzling against him gently. "Me too.. sweet dreams, Luke.."

He kissed her lightly on her brow once more and nuzzled her in return "Sleep well" He whispered as he shut his eyes and waited for the day sleep to take him.

It took them both, eventually, and together they slept.