I Never Planned On You Chapter 10: Dancing in the Dark- Darcy Reid x Ava Fig
Warning(s): Once again, not smut, but very steamy at the end. Much more than chapter 4 at least.
Darcy descended the steps to the ballroom quickly in hopes to find Ava before his parents did. He had commissioned his carriage driver under the table with his own finances to pick her up, and was praying that he hadn’t gotten caught doing so. He reached the middle of the steps and stopped, his gaze in search of the girl that had been on his mind nonstop.
Ava had only just arrived inside the ballroom. She’d taken a bit longer than she would’ve liked to get ready, but she wanted to look perfect for New York’s high society. For a moment all she could do was stand there, part of her in awe over the utter elegance of the room and the people filling it, and the other half frozen in fear. She didn’t know what to do now, and she hadn’t seen any sign of Darcy yet. Her gloved hands continually clutched her dress then let go as a way for her to ground herself. She knew a lot about everything, but the one thing she didn’t know was how to deal with New York’s first class.
The boy glanced at the front of the room, and it was like time slowed down to give him a chance to admire her. His eyes sparkled as he gazed at her, her hair, her dress, her figure, the way she held herself, everything about her made his knees weak. He stared for a few moments before he rushed down the stairs, his eyes still locked on her as he dodged through the crowd to get to her. It wasn’t until Darcy was rushing down the stairs that the girl finally noticed him. A small, relieved smile settled on her lips and she began weaving through the crowd to meet him halfway. Darcy stopped a good six feet away from her to just admire her once more with loving eyes as people passed intermittently between them. Every moment he looked at her he found a new thing about her that he loved, and wanted to worship and embrace.
“Hello,” he called to her politely over the sound of music in a distracted voice, just absolutely enraptured by the sight of her.
“Hi,” she returned, laughing afterwards as she subtly looked him up and down. “You look wonderful.” Darcy wandered closer to her, gaze still glued to her.
“I…” he trailed off, almost unable to speak. “Wow, you look like an angel.” Ava blushed and glanced down at her dress, straightening it out absentmindedly.
“I’m not underdressed, am I?” She asked worriedly. It’d been a concern of hers when she was shopping with Katherine but she genuinely couldn’t tell. The boy shook his head quickly.
“No- no no, not at all,” he said reassuringly, taking her hand and squeezing it. The mere gesture was somewhat socially taboo for someone of his status to be doing, but he couldn’t care less. Ava sighed in relief and smiled at him before glancing around.
“This is some party,” she muttered, still kinda in awe that she was here. It almost felt like she was trespassing, wearing a disguise. She didn’t know this world, she didn’t know how to act in this world. Darcy smiled at her. They were already beginning to attract stares and were most definitely the subject of a few hushed conversations already.
“Welcome to my home,” he said with a small laugh.
“Thank you,” she giggled before noticing the eyes on them. Out of habit she sorta attempts to make herself smaller.
“There are people watching us,” she mentioned quietly, earning a hum from the boy.
“Trust me I know. Keep your chin up, you have every right to be here and you are beautiful and I am yours tonight,” he responded encouragingly, not even trying to hush his voice. He was proud to be seen with her, he was proud to break the rules for her, he was proud to be hers. Ava blushed deeply, his words admittedly making her feel much better, and nodded with a small smile.
“Okay” she says softly, straightening her shoulders. The boy offered his arm as the music changed and young, courting couples began to fill the center of the ballroom to dance.
“May I have this dance?” He asked with sparkling eyes. The girl hesitated.
“I don’t know how to dance,” she admitted softly. Darcy smiled softly, he found it endearing that she didn’t know how to dance.
“You can follow my lead, I promise it’s not too hard,” he encouraged. At his reassurance the girl finally nodded, a small smile forming on her lips.
“Alright then. Just don’t make me look like a fool,” she half joked.He led her to the center of the ballroom for greetings.
“Alright, go ahead and curtsy as I bow,” he instructed softly, facing her and taking a bow. The girl did as he said and lifted her skirt a bit to curtsy with a nervous smile. It was a little clumsy, but it was okay enough. Darcy grinned and held out his arms, leading her off to the side and beginning to lead her in a waltz as murmurs from wallflowers and adults on the sideline surrounded them.
He knew there was judgment and rumors already, he knew his parents would be furious for making a scene, but he didn’t care. He kept his eyes on her as he smiled softly. Meanwhile, as much as Ava tried not to listen to the murmurs, she couldn’t help but do so, listening every single time either one of them was mentioned.
“You know, I know a lot about a lot of different things, but I don’t know if I can fix this,” she half joked, nodding her head to the crowd around them and keeping her voice low so only he can hear. The boy laughed softly.
“It’s not your job to fix it, this is my fix,” he explained as they danced. “Besides, the only opinion that matters is yours.”
“I suppose that’s true,” she hummed thoughtfully, glancing down at her feet for a moment. She’d accidentally stepped on his foot a few times, but she was doing better than she expected. Darcy, meanwhile, was unfazed by any mistakes she was making. He took her hand and twirled her, then continued to dance.
“You are the most stunning person I have ever seen,” he whispered. Ava blushed deeply and looked up at him. She wanted to kiss him more than anything right now, to not care what anyone said or thought of it and just hold him till her heart's content. But instead, she merely offered him a shy ‘thank you.’ He smirked down at her, almost as if he could read her mind.
“Not now,” he muttered jokingly. “You’re doing really well at this, I’m surprised.”
“I don’t know whether to be offended or complimented,” she joked.
“That’s for you to decide, I’m just the one speaking, not the one thinking,” he joked back as he spun her once more.
“That much is obvious,” she teased dryly with a sarcastic smile once she finished her little spin, then laughed softly. “How do girls not get dizzy with all these spins?”
“Cause you’re not looking at me while you spin, you’re not spotting your turn,” he laughed out.
“That was rhetorical, jackass,” she said very quietly because halfway through that she remembered where she is so the last part is almost not heard by him. Darcy turned red and tried not to just burst into laughter.
“You’re the worst,” He whispered back.
“What?” She giggled with an innocent look before leaning closer to whisper into his ear. “You know I can’t control my mouth around you.” The boy bit his lip and looked to the side, his cheeks blushing an even brighter shade of red.
“You are so in for a rough night you have no idea,” he warned her in a whisper.
“Not now,” she repeated his earlier words, trying not to smirk but she still ended up with a smug smile on her face. Darcy was still a bright shade of red as the song ended, he bowed to her, keeping his eyes locked onto hers with a fiery gaze. That didn’t end up lasting long as his gaze turned somewhat fearful when they darted behind Ava.
“Father,” he greeted, trailing off with a nervous smile. Darcy’s father, Whitelaw Reid was looming over them, a tall man with white hair and a manicured beard.
“Hello, Darcy,” he said in a cold tone. “And who might this be? I do not recall an extra name on the invitation list, or on the transportation list.” He was calling out his son’s sneaky behavior, and Darcy knew it. The younger boy cleared his throat and stepped aside to showcase the girl.
“Father, this is Ava.” Ava had frozen upon first hearing Whitelaw, though she knew that it would do her no good to cower away from him. Instead she put a polite smile on her face, pushing her nerves deep within her, and faced him, curtsying to him respectfully.
“It’s an honor to meet you, sir. I thank you for the carriage you were kind enough to send my way,” she greeted, pretending that Darcy hadn’t been the one to do it.
“Of course,” Whitelaw responded, taking her hand and pressing a polite kiss to it. “Now, Miss Ava, how did you come to acquaintance with our Darcy? He’s quite secretive, you know.” The girl forced out a small laugh before answering.
“He does seem to keep surprising the both of us,” she joked lightly. “I am his new secretary. He invited me here as a way to welcome me to the company. I apologize, I assume you knew.” It was a lie, she knew, but the last thing she wanted was for Darcy to get into more trouble than he’d likely be in by her being here in the first place.
While they talked, Darcy glanced between the two of them, then began searching the room in hopes that he would spot his mother who would surely come save him because. And, as if on cue, Elizabeth Reid, a kind looking older woman appears at their side.
“Darcy, you look wonderful,” she greets, adjusting the lapel of her son’s suit jacket. “I told you dark blue would compliment you.”Whitelaw turned to his wife, giving her a look.
“Darcy, why don’t you introduce your little friend to your mother?” He asked firmly. The boy looked at his mother with puppy dog eyes for a moment, hoping to win over her heart.
“You look beautiful, mother,” he said in relief that she was there, then looked between her and Ava. “This is Ava.” The girl in question was quite literally ready to either a.) pass out or b.) melt into the abyss and never return. Nevertheless she faced Elizabeth with a smile and curtsied to her.
“It’s a pleasure, Mrs. Reid. Your son has not exaggerated your beauty.” Elizabeth took a moment to assess the situation, including both her son and husband’s expressions, before smiling down at Ava and nodding her head once approvingly.
“The pleasure is all mine, Miss Ava. Lovely to make your acquaintance,” she responded kindly, earning a small huff from her husband.
“Darcy, I would like to speak to you tonight, that is all,” he said, then he glanced at Ava. “A pleasure.” And with that, he walked off, leaving Darcy and Ava with Elizabeth. The boy shot his mother a weak smile.
“He’s pretty upset with me,” he said in a low voice.
“Oh, don’t worry about him,” Elizabeth waved a hand dismissively. “I will talk to him. Tonight, you two enjoy yourselves, okay?” Darcy’s smile went from nervous to relieved.
“Thank you,” he muttered gratefully, taking his mothers hand and giving it a quick squeeze before stepping back to stand beside Ava. The girl offered Elizabeth a curtsy, which she nodded at before walking away. Once Elizabeth was far enough Ava let out the breath she’d been holding since she’d first heard Whitelaw speak. Darcy sighed in relief and turned to her.
“My god I almost had a heart attack,” he whispered, allowing himself to show how anxious he’d truly been in the presence of his father.
“God how do you think I felt?” Ava retorted nervously, wringing her hands absentmindedly. “If he kept looking at me like that I think I was gonna pass out.” The boy took her hands in his to stop her from wringing them, instead offering them a reassuring squeeze.
“Let’s sit you down and get you some water,” he insisted softly, leading her over to a stool and sitting her down.
“God, why is your dad so scary?” She half joked with a weak laugh, but it was obvious that she was intimidated by Whitelaw (which she guessed was the point). The boy grabbed a glass of water for her and set it in her hands.
“You’ve got to be scary to be successful in New York. It’s unfortunately not a great parenting style,” he joked, crouching in front of her. Ava’s brows furrow in concern, her lips setting into a small frown.
“He doesn’t…hurt you, or anything, does he?” She asked only quietly enough for him to hear, leaning closer a bit just to be sure. Darcy paused for a moment, as if lost in thought, but ultimately shook his head.
“No, he’s not a bad father. He’s just bad at regulating his emotions. I’ve learned a lot from him. My mother is just an angel, she used to sneak my chocolates at night when I was a child,” he admitted with a small laugh. Ava couldn’t help but smile, happy to hear him share a part of himself with her.
“That sounds nice,” she commented softly.
“I can tell she loves you,” he whispered with a huge smile, trying not to get too excited at the mere thought. “I can just tell.”
“She’s probably the only one,” she half joked with a smile before taking a sip of her water.
“A wife’s word is the last word,” he joked back. “I’m sure she’ll have some sway.”
“I hope so. Your old man don’t seem too fond of me,” she laughed quietly. Darcy shook his head.
“He’s just old school, he wants me courting a girl like Kathrine,” he explained with a small laugh. Ava hummed thoughtfully.
“You would do good with a girl like that, all classy and stuff,” she commented idly, taking another sip of her water.
“Kathrine and I are better friends than lovers, trust me,” he shook his head again.
“Well I know that,” she giggled. “I’m talking about girls like her. Ones your father would approve of.”
“So boring and uptight, I couldn’t imagine myself with anyone except for you,” he whispered, his eyes conveying the sincerity in his words. The girl smiled shyly and nodded.
“Good, because I can’t imagine myself with anyone else but you,” she whispered back. Darcy smiled back before looking around.
“Want to sneak up to my room?” He asked quietly.
“Aren’t you worried about being caught?” She asked curiously, though there was a smile quickly forming on her face. Darcy shook his head once again.
“They never even come to my side of the house,” he laughed out as he helped her up, beginning to lead her through the crowd.
They walked up the grand staircase and the boy pulled her to the left, leading her down a huge hallway. Ava followed in silence, her gaze grazing over the luxurious hallway and decor in awe. It was truly a beautiful house, she never thought she’d ever be allowed in one like this. Darcy stopped at the end of the hallway and turned towards a large white door, pushing it open to reveal a lavish room. The girl’s eyes widened as she looked into the room, ultimately stepping inside. She knew it was close to the size of the bunk area of the lodging house. This was luxury to her.
“Wow, this is beautiful,” she muttered. Darcy gingerly moved past her and grabbed a match off of the table in the room, striking it against the box and lighting some candles that gave his face a dim, warm light.
“Thank you,” he answered, growing distracted as the girl moved to stand beside him, the candlelight illuminating her soft features. He couldn’t help but smile as he gazed at her, the refraction of the flames illuminating in his eyes.
“Well, is there any particular reason you invited me all the way up to your room, sir?” She joked softly “Because there is still a party going on downstairs.” Darcy hummed in consideration as he put out the match, tossing it aside.
“There might be,” he mutters, looking down at her. His eyes showed a glimpse of dominance and craving, his face was dimly lit in the candlelight which cast a small glare onto his glasses. Ava blushed, though it’s barely visible in the candlelight, as she bit her lip.
“And yet, here we are, at a standstill,” she teased lightly, idly messing with the lapel of his suit jacket. The boy bent down slightly, their lips almost touching.
“Here we are,” he repeated as if it was a shame. He was teasing her and he knew that it drove her crazy. His face showed a knowingness, almost cockiness as he did so. Ava huffed lightly as her hands gingerly trailed up to rest on his shoulders.
“Must you tease me like this?” She asked, fluttering her eyelashes at him, earning a thoughtful hum from him.
“Would you rather I not?” He asked, moving his face to the side of hers so that he was talking gently by her ear, his warm breath on her skin. “Because I’m dying to see this dress on the floor, Ava.” The girl hummed as if in thought, a shiver trailing up her spine.
“I believe I can help with that,” she whispered, one hand reaching back to untie the knot at the bottom of her corset.
“No need,” he muttered, his voice was raspy as he took her by the shoulders and turned her around. He began to unlace the corset for her, pressing kisses at the nape of her neck as he did so. Ava all but melted under his touch, it was a wonder she was able to stay standing, but she managed. As the corset became looser on her and the dress began to pool on the floor she slid her arms out of it meticulously. Darcy stepped back to admire her as he unbuttoned his coat.
“Better?” He asked with a smirk, his gaze falling over her with adoration.
“Much,” she giggled quietly as she looked up at him with innocent eyes, though everything else about her said otherwise. Darcy slipped his coat off, letting it fall to the floor as he stepped forwards. He let his hands reach out and make contact with her ribcage, gently trailing down her waist and falling at her hips as he pressed himself up against her.
“Good,” he whispered, then leaned down to kiss her. Ava shivered under his touch, though she couldn’t get enough of it. As she returns the kiss with all the passion she’d been holding back tonight her arms trail up until they’re wrapped around his neck, one hand already beginning to toy with the hair on the nape of his neck as it usually did. The boy pulled a hand from her hips to loosen his tie as he kissed her passionately, his other hand gripping at her eagerly at her waist. He felt like he was floating when he touched her, her warmth was medicinal to him and her faux innocence drove him crazy.
The girl smiled against his lips before pulling away to press kisses down his jawline and neck, likely leaving a lipstick stain on his collar in the process (and trying not to smirk at it. It was like she was marking him as hers). His touch was addicting to her, she couldn’t get enough of it if she tried. She craved him- not just his body, but his mind and his heart. She wanted all of it because she’d already given all of hers to him. Darcy took a sharp breath in as she kissed at his neck and jawline, letting his hands travel onto her back where his nails pressed into her skin. She had hit his weak spot and his body language showed it, and a smirk settled on the girl's lips.
“Awfully quiet now,” she teased, her voice low enough to be considered sultry as she begins kissing back up his neck, stopping just before she reaches his lips. “Cat got your tongue?” Darcy exhaled deeply through his nose, unable to respond as her lips trailed up his skin. He stared down at her as a dangerous smile crept across his lips.
“You think you’re so cute, don’t you?” He hissed quietly.
“Of course I do,” she giggled, a mischievous glint in her eyes as her arms hooked around the back of his neck once more. “And apparently so do you.” He looked at her through his glasses with a smug expression as he sat back onto his bed, pulling her into his lap by her hips
“Mhm,” she nodded as she moved to straddle him, one leg on either side of his. “I can feel it.” She began running her fingers through his hair, her nails lightly scratching his scalp as she teased him. The boy turned red and pulled his hands up to her face.
“I’m sure,” he responded smugly before he pulled her down into another kiss, a kiss even more passionate than the kiss before. His chest rose and fell in deep breaths as he riled himself up more at the thought of having her. He pulled back for a moment to yank off his glasses, then pulled her back in to continue the kiss as he tossed them aside carelessly. The girl smirked against his lips, happy that she was finally getting her way, and one of her hands left his hair to start hurriedly unbuttoning his shirt, her own breathing becoming heavy. Darcy yanked off his tie as he continued to kiss her intermittently.
“You’re- the most-“ he started but trailed off wordlessly, unable to get the rest of whatever it was out as he pulled his hands up to the nape of her neck, tangling his fingers into her hair and tugging at it impatiently. Ava giggled quietly, a sound that would normally sound so innocent sounding so sensuous now, as she finally managed to undo all the buttons of his shirt, beginning to slide it down his shoulders.
“If you can’t tell me, at least show me,” she teased breathlessly, a wild and passionate look in her eyes as she stared down at him. Darcy glared up at her with a grin, then grabbed her by the waist. He swung her around before pinning her to the bed, letting his hands come up to her wrists, which he held over her head as he straddled her. His shoulders fell and rose quickly as he stared down at her longingly. The girl gasped in surprise as if she hadn’t expected him to do that, but quickly got over it and instead put on her innocent eyes once again as she gazed up at him, breath still coming out in short pants. Darcy laughed gruffly.
“Oh don’t you give me those eyes, you are not innocent,” he hissed down at her, lowering down and hovering along her collarbone. Ava was too bothered to respond, however.
“What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?” He teased, emphasizing how much the tables had turned. The girl rolled her eyes playfully, laughing breathlessly as she subtly attempted to wiggle her wrists free from his hand.
“You think you’re so cute,” she hissed softly just as he had earlier, not even attempting to deny the role reversal. The boy chuckled softly and kissed at her neck, leaving gentle bites every so often. He trailed down to her collarbone, then down to her sternum, pressing kisses to her as if he worshiped her, as if her word was the final say, as if he was hers and she was his.
“Please, Darcy,” Ava whispered, as if she were on the verge of begging, growing desperate for him- all of him. “No more teasing.” Darcy looked up at her through raised eyebrows, then pressed one last kiss between her sternum before hovering over her again.
“Such a pretty plea, how could I say no?”
