(The following story takes place during Lost: Cinderella’s Secret Witch Diaries [book 1].
Cinderella put down her glass and turned away so that Henri couldn’t see her blush.
“No, it’s true. You are beautiful.” He edged closer to her, but stopped right before touching her hand.
“My sisters used to call me scrawny and make fun of me because of how tall I was as a kid.” Cinderella glanced back at him and let a bit of her pain show. “They used to call me a scarecrow and would mock me by walking behind me with their arms up in the air and a grimace on their faces.”
Henri listened and smiled just a bit. “And where are they now?” He took a step back and opened his arms wide. “But you’re here now and with me.”
“And I shouldn’t be. I should get back to the party.” Cinderella started to go, but he blocked her path.
“Or you can stay here with me and we can enjoy the moonlight, the stars, and listen to the music coming from inside.” Henri smiled, and a dimple appeared on his right cheek. His blond hair flowed as he raised his head up and sang in French.
Mesmerized by him, Cinderella folded her hands in her lap and watched his every move. His smile, how his eyes twinkled in the moonlight, and the strength in his arms as he kept singing.
Henri reached out to her and invited her to interlock her arms with his, and winked.
She hesitated and did not know what to do.
“You can go back inside if you want, or we can have a fun evening filled with music and dancing.” He dipped his hand lower and invited her to take it.
“I can’t.” Cinderella pulled back from him and fear rose up within her like a ghost in a darkened hallway at night.
Henri finished singing and leaned in close to her and kissed her on the mouth. She responded to him, and her body rose to meet him. In seconds, he had enfolded her in a lover’s embrace. Their kiss awakened something within her. And just as quickly as he had started, he pulled back. “You are beautiful. Come and I will show you more.”
When he offered her his arm the third time, she accepted and went off with him into the far reaches of the garden. The night of revelry had only just begun.
***
Cinderella stood in front of the door and waited. She held her hand up, ready to knock, but needed a moment to think. She had not seen Henri in a long time. Much had happened since they had last been together. But she had to see him again.
Letting the consequences fall to the wayside, she knocked on the door.
Seconds passed and regret flooded her. She turned around to go, but too late.
“Hello.” Henri opened the door to his room and leaned toward her. He wore no shirt and let her take in all of him.
“Hi.” Cinderella glanced up at him and asked, “Why didn’t you write to me?”
“It’s good to see you again.” Henri took her hand in his and kissed it.
“Henri, please.” She pulled her hand away from him and gathered up her courage. “Did you not hear my question?”
He leaned into the doorframe and smirked. “You’re angry at me, aren’t you?”
Unable to contain her frustration any longer, Cinderella nodded and raised her voice. “Yes, I am. After all we did together, I thought—”
He kissed her and pulled her into his arms. The warmth of his body against hers and the passion in his kiss melted away her anger until she gave into him and kissed him back.
Henri placed his hand on the back of her neck and let his kiss linger a bit longer.
Then he pulled back, and she came with him until they were both in his room. He shut the door and pinned her against it, kissing her neck, chin, and then full on the mouth again, until she pushed him away.
“Stop.” Cinderella took a deep breath as her chest heaved. She fought back her urge to kiss him back and said, “You owe me an explanation.”
Seeing that he couldn’t avoid answering her any longer, Henri folded his hands together and placed them over his heart. “I wanted to write to you, but things became complicated and I decided it best to not bother you any longer.”
“It’s a little too late for that.” Cinderella folded her arms across her chest. “You told me you loved me and we spent all those nights together.” She searched for the right words to say. “They were like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.”
Henri nodded in agreement. “When we are together, it’s the same for me. And I do want that again.”
“But?” She cocked her head to the side and waited for his answer.
“You’re still married.” He said the words she hoped that he wouldn’t.
“I’m getting a divorce soon, and then we can be together. Please, just be a bit more patient with me.” She pleaded with him and took a step forward to put her hand on his cheek.
“He’s the prince. Do you really think the Queen will let you go that easy?” He waited for her to answer and then added, “We had our bit of fun and we can continue to do so on the side. I just want to be realistic about your situation.”
Cinderella smiled and held Henri’s face in her hands. “The Queen will give me what I want. I’ll sacrifice everything to be with you.” She kissed him full on the lips and pulled back and showed him her earnestness. “You are my happy ever after. You and only you.”
She kissed him again, as he had kissed her, and he allowed himself to be caught up in the moment.
Henri broke from the kiss first and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “I will meet you tonight. But for now, I need to go.”
She smiled and squeezed his hands tightly. “I’ll be there tonight in the garden at our usual spot.” She kissed him one last time and said, “I love you.”
He kissed her back and replied, “As I do you.”
Her heart fluttered at his words, and she quickly opened the door and left before he could see her flustered.
Henri closed the door behind him and then locked it.
A young serving girl clothed with only a sheet came out of hiding from behind the bed and asked, “Is she gone?”
“Yes, she is.” He looked at her for a moment and smiled.
Unsure whether to go or stay, she looked at the door and asked, “Should I go?”
Henri shook his head and replied, “No, she means nothing to me.” He went up to the young girl and tilted her head up so that she could look him right in the eyes. “But you? You are beautiful. Truly beautiful. Come.”
He pulled her toward the bed, and she did not hesitate. She went willingly with him and let herself fall into his arms.
If you liked this story, be sure to check out the rest of the books in the series:
Stolen (book 2)
Found (book 3)
Redemption (book 4)