The door to the old madame's drawing room slammed shut behind Harry as he entered the room. He stood stiffly before her, hands buried in the pockets of his slacks, shoulders squared yet undeniably tense.
She was seated upright in her high-backed chair, spine ramrod straight, her cane leaning against the armrest. Though age had softened her face, her eyes remained sharp like cold steel.
"I summoned you because I've waited long enough, Harry," she began, her tone clipped and controlled, but laced with simmering disapproval. "Four months. Four months, and not even a whisper of any news."
Harry said nothing. His jaw clenched slightly.
"Don't stand there pretending you don't understand what's at stake. You were raised for this, Harry. To lead. To continue the family name. That girl Ana is not here for leisure or romance. She's here to bear an heir."
"I understand, Grandmother," he said evenly, his tone respectful but cool.
"Do you? Because from where I'm sitting, it looks like you're wasting time. You're letting emotions cloud your purpose. You were never this slow in your decisions before. Are you waiting for her to seduce you?"
Harry's expression remained unreadable, though his knuckles whitened as he gripped the edge of the desk behind him.
"I need results," she continued sharply. "Not restraint. Not your usual cold detachment. If you must, close your heart and do your duty."
He dipped his head slightly. "Understood."
"Good. See to it."
With that, she waved him off with a dismissive flick of her hand, turning her attention to a folder on her lap.
Later That Night
The room was dim, the only light coming from the golden glow of the desk lamp. Harry sat behind his desk, papers spread before him, though his eyes were fixed on none of them.
The old madame's words echoed in his head, gnawing at his composure.
Do your duty. Close your heart.
He leaned back in his chair, one hand running through his hair. God, how easy it would be to give in. To take Ana in his arms, to taste the softness of her lips, the warmth of her skin. He'd thought about it more than he cared to admit. Every time she smiled that quiet, uncertain smile, every time her eyes softened when she looked at him... it stirred something deep, primal.
But Ana wasn't just some woman thrown at him for convenience. She was fragile yet defiant, cautious yet deeply human. There was something about her he couldn't reduce to a contract or bloodline.
Harry let out a slow breath, pressing his thumb against the space between his brows.
He could take her if he wanted. Easily. But he didn't want that.
He wanted her to choose him. Not because the family willed it. Not because of obligation. But because she trusted him. Desired him. Loved him.
He looked over at the side table where a single rose lay, one he'd intended to give her days ago but never did.
She deserves more than duty, he thought, even if I was raised to know nothing else.
And so he sat in silence, battling himself.
Harry sat in the study, fully immersed in his thoughts when Ana walked in quietly, a steaming cup of coffee in her hands. She placed it on the desk in front of him with a gentle smile, then turned to survey the room.
Harry watched her from his seat, his eyes softening. "Would you like to go back to school?" he asked, his voice casual, yet deliberate.
Ana turned around, startled. Her lips parted in surprise, but no words came out. Slowly, as if unsure of her own reaction, she walked over to him and perched gently on his lap, arms winding around his neck.
"Can I?" she asked in a whisper. Her eyes lit up for a brief moment, then dulled with hesitation as doubt crept in. "But…" Her voice trailed off, and she lowered her gaze, sadness shadowing her face.
Harry couldn't stand the sight of that sorrow. He lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes, and pressed a soft kiss on her lips. "I'll take you to school myself tomorrow. Do you want to return to your old one, or would you prefer a new start somewhere else?"
Her eyes widened, glimmering with disbelief. "Are you serious?" she asked breathlessly.
Harry grinned and gently nibbled on her finger. "I don't joke about things like this."
Realization dawned on her. "Really?" Her voice was filled with pure joy. "You'll let me go back to school?"
"I'll do more than that," he said proudly. But her joy faltered again.
"What about the old madame? She won't let me leave, not until I get pregnant."
Harry cupped her cheek. "Let me worry about her. You just focus on being happy."
"Thank you," she murmured, kissing his cheek, then showering his face with grateful kisses. His arms tightened around her, and his gaze deepened.
"But… I don't think that's enough thanks," he said, voice husky.
She blushed, lowering her eyes. "Then what would be enough?"
His hand slid down her thigh, then slipped under her dress, caressing her skin with growing need. She gasped and tried to stop him, but he captured her lips in a fiery kiss that left her breathless. His tongue claimed hers with dominance, his hands exploring every inch of her.
Her dress was undone in seconds, revealing the soft curves of her body. He cleared the desk with a sweep of his arm, scattering books and papers to the floor without a second thought. Gently but urgently, he lifted her onto the desk, his lips never leaving her skin.
Her breath came in soft gasps as he kissed along her neck, down to the delicate peaks of her breasts, which he freed from their lacy confines. She arched into his touch, her fingers curling into his hair as pleasure took over.
Unable to restrain himself, Harry picked her up again, wrapping her in his jacket, and carried her out of the study into his bedroom.
In the dim, warm glow of the room, two bodies became one, entwined in aching passion and unspoken love. Ana lay beneath him, her flushed skin trembling as she cried out softly, caught between pleasure and uncertainty. Harry's face was buried between her thighs, feasting on her sweetness with relentless devotion.
"No… please," she whimpered, overwhelmed.
He looked up at her, lips glistening, eyes dark with desire. "Did you like it?" he asked, voice thick with lust.
She nodded shyly, tears clinging to her lashes.
"Say it," he coaxed, kissing up her body, his hands working her sensitive skin expertly. "I want to hear you say it."
"Yes… yes, I love it," she finally gasped.
With a groan, he entered her slowly at first, but the sensation made her cry out. Her body stiffened against the sudden stretch, but he held her close, whispering gentle reassurances as her body adjusted to his size. Then, with care and mounting hunger, he began to move, claiming her fully.
The room filled with the rhythm of their union, her cries, his groans, their hearts pounding in harmony. It lasted long, each moment blurring into the next until they collapsed in a tangle of limbs and damp sheets.
Ana could barely move. Her body ached, her breaths shallow. Harry cradled her close, stroking her hair.
"Do you know how long I've waited to make you mine?" he whispered. "I love you, Ana."
She could barely respond, exhaustion pulling her into the edges of sleep.
"Come. Let's shower," he said, lifting her into his arms again.
In the bathroom, warm water surrounded them in the tub. Her back rested against his chest as he gently cleaned her body. But his touch began to linger, fingers tracing over her soft peaks, his desire once again awakening.
She tensed.
"Babe, let's do it again. Just once more—I'll be quick," he murmured, his voice pleading.
Her eyes widened. She knew better. "You said that the last time…"
He chuckled darkly, already pulling her against him. Despite her protests, he overpowered her again, taking her from behind in the steamy bath. She wept softly, her body too weak to resist.
When it finally ended, Harry dried her trembling body with a towel and laid her in the freshly made bed. Holding her close, he kissed her forehead as she drifted into unconsciousness.
Outside their room, the house was still. But within these walls, Ana lay asleep in his arms loved, wanted, possessed. The path ahead was uncertain, but for now, in the hush of night, they both dreamed of a life where nothing could tear them apart.