Actions

Work Header

Consider the Lilies

Chapter 42: Tuesday September 27 1814

Chapter Text

The crisp air of Milan was a refreshing contrast to the snowy mountain passes they had recently left behind. The city bustled with life, its narrow streets teeming with energy as carriages jostled for space and pedestrians lingered at market stalls. Kate leaned out of the carriage window, her breath catching as the towering spires of the Duomo came into view, their intricate carvings like lace etched in stone.

“Anthony,” she breathed, her voice laced with awe. “It’s magnificent.”

Anthony followed her gaze, his hand resting lightly on hers. “It is,” he said, though his eyes lingered on her rather than the cathedral.

Their carriage came to a stop in front of a small, elegant inn near one of Milan’s vibrant piazzas. The cheerful notes of a street musician’s violin floated through the air, mingling with the chatter of locals and the soft hum of fountains. Anthony helped Kate down, his steady hand at her waist as they entered.

“Do you think we’ll have time to explore before we leave for Florence?” Kate asked as they ascended the inn’s narrow staircase.

Anthony smiled. “We’ll make time. I want you to see everything that catches your eye.”

After settling into their room and sharing a simple lunch, Anthony insisted on taking Kate to the Duomo. The grandeur of the cathedral’s interior left her in hushed wonder, the colored light from its stained-glass windows casting brilliant patterns across the marble floor.

“This feels… otherworldly,” she said quietly.

Anthony, standing a few steps behind, watched her with quiet admiration. “It suits you.”

Kate turned to him, her brows lifting in question.

“You carry yourself with the same quiet strength as this place,” he explained. “Timeless. Beautiful.”

Her cheeks flushed as she looked away, smiling softly. “You’re insufferable lately.”

“Perhaps,” he admitted, stepping closer. “But I’ll never regret telling you how I see you.”

As the sun dipped low over the city, casting the rooftops in warm, golden light, Anthony led Kate to a nearby canal lined with cafés and street vendors. The two of them strolled hand in hand, pausing occasionally to admire the wares of local artisans.

At one stall, Kate’s attention was caught by a display of silk scarves in a riot of colors. She held up a deep teal one, running her fingers over the soft fabric. “It’s lovely,” she murmured, tracing the intricate design painted on it.

Anthony, without hesitation, paid the vendor. He draped the scarf over her shoulders, his fingers brushing the nape of her neck. “Perfect,” he said softly, his voice tinged with warmth.

Kate laughed, the sound light and full of affection. “You spoil me.”

“Unapologetically,” Anthony replied, pressing a kiss to her temple.

 

After a day filled with breathtaking sights, their room welcomed them back with a warm glow from the fire. Kate sat on the bed, the teal scarf Anthony had bought her draped loosely over her lap. She ran her fingers along the smooth fabric, her thoughts drifting between the beauty of the day and the man who had made it perfect.

Anthony crossed the room toward her, his eyes soft but curious. “What’s on your mind, darling?”

She hesitated for a moment, twisting the scarf between her fingers. “Would you…try something for me?”

His brow arched. “What sort of something?” he asked, his voice both warm and teasing.

Her cheeks flushed, but she met his gaze. “With this,” she said, lifting the scarf. “I was wondering if you might…use it.”

Anthony’s dark eyes narrowed slightly, interest sparking in their depths. He took the scarf, running it between his fingers. “Use it how?”

Kate swallowed hard, her pulse quickening. “Around my neck,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “To… hold me. To… control me.”

Anthony’s breath caught, and he stared at her, his gaze flicking between her eyes and the scarf. “Kate,” he said slowly, his voice tinged with concern. “Are you sure? I don’t want to hurt you.”

She reached for his hand, her fingers curling around his. “You won’t,” she said firmly. “I trust you, Anthony. Completely. And the idea of giving myself over to you like that…” She trailed off, her blush deepening. “It’s driving me mad.”

Anthony let out a low groan, his free hand sliding to her cheek. “You’re going to be the death of me,” he murmured, his thumb brushing her bottom lip. “But if this is what you want, we’ll try it. You’ll tell me if it’s too much?”

She nodded eagerly, her heart hammering in her chest. “I will. I promise.”

He leaned down, capturing her lips in a slow, deep kiss. When he pulled back, his gaze was intense, a mix of desire and care. “Undress. Lie back,” he commanded softly.

Kate obeyed, her heart pounding as Anthony climbed onto the bed. He folded the scarf carefully, slipping it around her neck. His hands were steady as he tied it, the silk cool against her skin. He tested the tension with a gentle tug, his eyes searching hers for any sign of hesitation.

“How does that feel?” he asked, his voice rough.

“Perfect,” she breathed, her body already trembling with anticipation.

Anthony groaned again, his restraint slipping as he leaned down, his lips trailing along the skin of her collarbone. His hands gripped the scarf, pulling it taut just enough to press lightly against her throat. Kate gasped, her back arching off the bed as a wave of heat coursed through her.

“Kate,” Anthony rasped, his breath hot against her ear. “You’re unbelievable.”

She whimpered, her hands gripping his shoulders as he held her in place with the scarf. The combination of the silk’s pressure and Anthony’s weight against her body was intoxicating, leaving her trembling beneath him.

“You like this,” he said, his voice both surprised and deeply pleased.

“I love it,” she breathed, her voice raw with need.

Anthony tightened his grip slightly, his eyes fixed on her face to gauge her reaction. When she moaned, her head tipping back in surrender, he growled low in his throat, his restraint unraveling completely.

“You’re mine,” he murmured, his voice rough as he claimed her lips again. “Every inch of you. Every breath.”

Kate cried out, her body shuddering beneath him as he moved with precision and control, his strength and dominance tempered by the tender care he always showed her.

When they finally collapsed together, breathless and tangled in the sheets, Anthony untied the scarf, brushing his fingers over the faint marks it had left on her skin.

“Are you all right?” he asked, his voice soft but tinged with concern.

Kate smiled, her hand cupping his cheek. “I’ve never been better,” she said. “You make me feel…safe, Anthony. Safe and free at the same time.”

His lips curved into a tender smile as he kissed her forehead. “And you make me feel like the luckiest man alive.”

Outside, the city seemed a world away, its bustling energy replaced by the quiet intimacy of their room. Anthony’s hand slid into her hair, his voice a soft murmur. “You’re like a…a diamond.”

Kate laughed softly. “What do you mean?”

“So many facets. All of them beautiful. Simply exquisite.” His eyes were closed, and his voice had taken on a sleepy, dreamlike quality.

“Anthony,” Kate sighed contentedly, her cheeks flushing. “You flatter me too much.”

He made a satisfied grunt from low in his chest. “Never. I love you, Kate. Every part of you.”

Kate smiled, her eyes heavy. “I love you,” she whispered, her voice as soft as the glow of the dying fire. “Every part.”