As Aelin and Rowan struggle to keep their budding relationship from their fellow archaeologists, they finally go on their date and enjoy an exciting evening.
This chapter (the *spicy* stuff especially) got away from me really quickly. I thought about breaking this into two parts but ultimately decided to keep it as one long chapter. Hopefully, you enjoy it!
Part 7 | Fic Masterlist
Warnings: Language, NSFW (Seriously, this got really smutty really fast. You've been warned.)
4763 words
*******
“And this here,” Aelin pointed to the small protrusion on the front of the mandible just between the chin and the lower teeth, “is the mental eminence.” The young girl sitting across from Aelin nodded attentively. “When it's visible and you can feel it clearly, it indicates that the individual was male.”
Aelin handed the mandible to Evangeline who took it with cautious hands, not wanting to drop or damage it. Evangeline, one of the young students on Rowan’s team, had come into Aelin's station that morning to ask if Aelin would teach her some things about human osteology. The women had already briefly gone over the bones and Aelin promised to give Evangeline her favorite notes and articles that described things in ways that were easy to understand.
She was always happy to start another person down the road of Bioarchaeology. Or Forensic Anthropology, or Zooarchaeology—really, any bone-related field had her support.
Aelin was reminded of when she showed Rowan how to look at the skeleton for sex-indicators. She laughed to herself remembering the look on his face when she abruptly left their morning make-out against the wall to go to her station.
She forced herself to stop thinking about Rowan and instead got back into teacher-mode. She showed Evangeline how to examine the gonial angle and flare of the mandible, and the young woman listened and took notes. Aelin wished all of her students were as eager as Evangeline.
She had gone back to reviewing her logs while Evangeline kept handling the bones. Aelin always believed that the best way to familiarize oneself with bones was to physically handle them so you could feel all the irregularities and features.
They both looked up as the door opened and Rowan walked in. He grinned as he strode towards her but stopped short when he saw Evangeline sitting there.
“Aelin, I,” he paused and glanced at the young student, seeming to rethink what he was saying, “Dr. Galathynius.”
Aelin hid her smirk as Evangeline slowly set down the bone she was holding and looked back and forth between the two supervisors. Either the look Rowan was giving Aelin wasn’t as innocent as he thought, or Evangeline was too perceptive for her own good, but she gathered her notes and stood up.
“Thank you, Dr. Galathynius.” She gave Aelin a full smile. “this was really cool. I’d love to learn more.” She glanced at Rowan with a small knowing smile. “I just remembered that I have to discuss something with Luca and Mr. Moonbeam.” Then she gestured to the stack of articles in her arms. “And thanks for your notes, I’ll start reading them tonight.”
“Anytime, Evangeline.” Aelin meant it. The girl was curious, intuitive, and enthusiastic; Aelin would be happy to teach her more.
Evangeline left, and Rowan let out an exasperated sigh.
“What? What’s that look?” Aelin crossed her arms and wiggled her finger at his face.
Rowan rolled his eyes, but answered, “I know exactly what she wanted to talk to Luca and Fenrys about.”
“Oh?” Aelin raised an eyebrow at him, stepping closer. “Does it have anything to do with what Fenrys was insinuating this morning?”
“Apparently,” Rowan perched on the edge of the table, stretching legs in front of him and crossing his ankles. “there’s a bet going on with Fenrys, Luca, and some other students,” he looked pointedly at the door, “about us.”
Her eyebrows flew up. “A Bet? About us? About this?” she gestured between them.
He just nodded.
Aelin threw her head back and cackled. Rowan watched her laugh, amused. That wasn’t the reaction he expected, but he’d take that over something else.
“Oh, my gods, okay.” Her laugh trailed off and she beamed up at him. “so, the plan is to somehow get in on this bet and win the money for ourselves?”
Rowan laughed deeply, shaking his head as Aelin smiled and walked to stand between his legs.
“Was there a reason you stopped by? Or did you just miss me already?” She twirled a piece of hair between her fingers and looked up at him innocently.
Rowan rolled his eyes and snorted, “Actually, yes, I did have a reason for coming here.”
But instead of telling her, he pulled her into him and kissed her. This kiss was slow, and she felt like she could stay tangled up in him for hours. Rowan reached behind her to slip his hands into her back pockets, lightly cupping her ass. She pressed herself tighter against him, but smiled and broke the kiss.
“Why did you stop by, Rowan?”
“Hm?” He was distracted by the way her fingers pulled on the short hairs at the base of his neck. “Oh, I stopped by because I need to know what kind of food you like.”
She pulled back and raised a brow at him. “What kind of food I like?”
“For dinner.”
At that, she smiled and resumed running her fingers through his hair.
“I don’t care what kind of food it is.” She leaned in so her lips brushed against his ear and smiled as she felt him shiver. “As long as there’s dessert after.”
She’d let him decide what kind of dessert she meant. She pulled away from him, smirking at his wide eyes and open mouth.
He groaned as she went to sit back in her chair and rubbed a hand down his face.
“I have to go meet with a local historian, but I’ll pick you up at your apartment at seven.”
“Sounds perfect.” She grinned as he took a deep breath and sent her one last hungry look. Deciding he probably shouldn’t kiss her again unless he wanted to be even later to his meeting, he left.
The rest of the day flew by. Aelin spent her lunch video chatting with Elide and filling her friend in on what was going on with Rowan. How she learned he drinks his coffee black, how they can’t seem to keep their hands off each other now, and even how some students—and Fenrys—have a bet about them. Elide had found that last one hilarious. She said goodbye, promising to talk soon, and finished her workday happily excited for her date.
*****
Aelin heard a knock on her door.
Her clock read 6:59, perfect. Aelin had gotten home, showered, and spent the next half hour deciding what to wear. It had been Elide’s call, in the end, to go for the gold silk dress, and she had been right. The thin straps showed off her collar bones and arms, and the front cowl neck revealed a bit of cleavage while the back dipped to the middle of her spine. It fell just above her knees.
It was perfect. Flirty enough for a date, but not too scandalous that she’d be embarrassed to see one of the students around town.
Taking one last look in the mirror to fluff her hair and wink at herself, she grabbed her purse and opened the door.
She almost missed the way his eyes darkened as they roamed over her body. She was too busy doing the same with him. Rowan hadn’t disappointed. Wearing nice dark slacks, a plain button-up dress shirt with the top two buttons open, and a fitted jacket that did wonders for his arms, Aelin tried not to drool at the sight of him.
She settled for biting her lip as she finally looked him in the eye from under her lashes.
At least Rowan seemed to be having the same trouble. Seeing the desire in his eyes only made the heat in her spread.
“You look gorgeous.” Gods, his voice was so low it sent a shiver through her. Noticing, he slowly smirked.
Recovering, she quipped, “I know.”
Rowan rolled his eyes as she gave him a small grin. But that seemed to cool the heat in them, barely.
He held his arm out for her and she stepped into him to hook her arm through his. Once she locked her door with her free hand, she faced him again.
“You’re not so bad, yourself.” She gave him an exaggerated once-over as if she hadn’t done that just a minute ago. “Very dashing.”
She watched a small blush creep across his cheeks as he glanced down at her, but she added, “Although,” this time his eyes met hers and held, “I have yet to decide if I prefer this put-together, sharply-dressed Rowan, or,” She paused dramatically and he just raised his eyebrow at her smirking, “Or the rugged adventure-type archaeologist Rowan.”
Aelin grinned widely as Rowan snorted.
They walked for a few more minutes talking casually when suddenly Rowan grabbed her arm and abruptly pulled her into a small alley, blocking themselves from the street. A little breathless, Aelin looked up to where Rowan was peaking around the corner, pressing her into the wall with his body. She was definitely confused, a little shocked, but absolutely not complaining.
“If you wanted to pin me against a wall, you could’ve just done that at my apartment.”
Huffing a laugh, but giving her a look full of intent, Rowan said, “Later.”
Before she could retort that they were literally in the position now so why wait until later, Rowan went on, “I saw Luca and Evangeline across the street.”
Oh, okay. Right.
She didn’t know what he saw in her face, but he leaned in to kiss her softly.
“It’s not that I don’t want them to see us. Well, shit, I don’t. But not because it’s us, or you,” he kissed her again, “But because I know as soon as they find out, every single person on site will find out and I’d rather have you to myself a little longer.”
Accepting his explanation, Aelin smiled at him. Then she gripped the edges of his jacket and pulled him down for a firm kiss.
“I think I can handle having you all to myself a little while longer, too.”
With matching grins, they lazily kissed for a few more minutes.
“As much as I like this,” he groaned, leaned in to plant a kiss on the side of her neck making her let out a contented sigh. “We have a dinner to get to.” He pulled back fully and gently took her hand to help peel herself off the wall.
*****
Their dinner was great.
They walked to a small restaurant where the owner, a sweet older woman, greeted Rowan with a hug before showing them to a table on the patio out back. Vines were hanging off trellises and soft music playing from speakers she couldn’t see.
She tried to focus on the menu. After ordering a bottle of wine, Rowan had removed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. Why did men in dress shirts become even more attractive when they rolled their sleeves up? Aelin didn’t have an answer but she would happily study the phenomenon.
Rowan tried to contain his smirk as he watched Aelin’s gaze move to his arms, again. He was glad she seemed as distracted by him as he was of her. When he had picked her up and she opened her door, Rowan felt every thought leave his head. He knew Aelin was a beautiful woman, gods he’d have to be blind not to see it, but seeing her in that dress—that golden dress—made him want to push her back into her apartment and forget about dinner.
And if he wasn’t already so attracted to her, watching her laugh would’ve sent him over the edge. She looked so carefree as she threw her head back at something he said, her hair falling over her shoulder as she laughed loudly and without restraint.
“Rowan?” he blinked out of his stupor to find her holding his hand across the table, running her thumb gently across his knuckles.
“What?”
“I said,” she leaned forward on the table, “that chocolate cake was delicious, but,” she continued to trace patterns on his hand, and he was stuck between focusing on her voice and her fingers. She waited to finish speaking until he was looking at her again. She met his eyes with unmistakable desire. “I have an appetite for something else.”
He’d never been faster about asking for a check.
*****
Without having to talk about it, they both decided Aelin’s place was closer than Rowan’s. In fact, they didn’t say a word to each other as they hurried through the winding streets. Rowan had a firm hold on her hand and Aelin used her other hand to grip his bicep as he pulled her along.
She could feel the muscles in his arms flex as she tightened her hold on him. And the heated look he gave her after she squeezed his hand almost made her knees weak.
Maybe it did actually make her knees weak because the next thing she knew, her toes snagged on the edge of a cobblestone and she tripped, losing her grip on his arm. She let out a gasp and tried to reach a hand out to brace her inevitable fall. But then strong arms were wrapped around her waist, and she was being pulled into a hard chest.
It took Aelin a second to notice the concerned look on Rowan’s face as he looked down at her. She reached a hand up and smoothed the furrow between his brows with a small laugh.
“Look at that, I’m already falling for you” she joked, not spending a second more to think about how true that might actually be.
Rowan laughed and helped her to her feet, and they stared at each other a moment before she grinned again. This time, she grabbed his hand and led them towards her apartment.
*******
Aelin could barely concentrate on unlocking her door because Rowan had stepped up behind her to grip her hips and lay kisses along the base of her neck. She almost dropped her key when his lips found that spot just behind her ear. She could feel Rowan smirk against her skin, so she pushed her ass harder against him. His groan reverberated against her neck and his grip on her tightened.
Finally, she opened the door. The moment they got inside her apartment Rowan twisted them around so Aelin’s back was pressed against the door. Their lips crashed together as their bodies became flush.
She couldn’t stop touching him. Her hands were everywhere, on his arms, over his chest, around his neck, gripped in his hair; she wanted to feel every inch of him.
Rowan wasn’t any more restrained. One hand fisted in her hair, pulling her head back so he could kiss her deeply. The other hand firmly held her waist, pulling her tight enough to him that she could feel just how much he wanted her. His hands moved to her sides, sliding up just high enough for his thumbs to graze the underside of her breasts.
Aelin moaned softly into his mouth and he moved his tongue along hers. She could taste the chocolate cake they had for dessert. His hands moved to her ass, palming her firmly and she responded by kissing him more feverishly before maneuvering his tongue and sucking it between her lips.
Aelin let out an excited moan as Rowan gripped the back of her thighs and lifted her. Immediately Aelin wrapped her legs around his waist and he used his hips to keep her pressed against the door.
Aelin was about to rip open his shirt, she was too impatient to try to unbutton it. But Rowan caught her wrist and she bit her lip, knowing she wanted his hands back on her. His eyes were pulled to her lip, and he let out a low rumble. He quickly undid the buttons and flung his shirt off as Aelin began kissing her way down his neck, sucking little marks that she knew she’d see tomorrow.
Rowan groaned again, louder this time, and instead of bringing his hands back to touch her, he gripped the hem of her dress and pulled it up over her head. Breathing heavily, Aelin moved her hands over his chest and arms, feeling the strong muscles as he took a moment to look at her.
Aelin was hoisted up, legs wrapped around him, wearing only a red bra and matching underwear. Hair askew, her eyes were glazed with lust and her mouth was swollen from kissing him so fiercely. She was better than anything his imagination could've conceived. He felt her hands grip his arms and Rowan watched as her breasts rose with every sharp inhale. Dragging his eyes back to her face he used one hand to stroke her jaw.
“Beautiful” Rowan murmured against her skin as he leaned down to kiss her lips before trailing down her neck to kiss the swell of her cleavage. He sucked on the sensitive skin and she gripped his hair tightly.
Aelin managed a gasp, “Bedroom.”
Rowan didn’t hesitate. He kept a firm grip on her as he pushed off the wall and walked down the hall to the bedroom she pointed at. Aelin’s grip held firm as he squeezed her ass, and she let out a soft yelp when he slapped it. Rowan glanced at her face, making sure that wasn’t too much, but Aelin let out a desperate sound and used both hands to pull his face to hers for another deep kiss.
Rowan dropped to the bed, sitting on the edge and pulling Aelin to straddle his lap. He kept his hands on the ass, using his grip to roll her hips against his.
“Aelin” Rowan rasped. She’d never get tired of that voice; he could probably make her come just by talking.
Then he reached behind her and unclasped her bra. She pulled her face away from his and quickly pulled the straps down before flinging across the room. Rowan immediately attached his mouth to the peak of her breast, circling her nipple with his tongue. She moaned loudly, throwing her head back, hands moving to grip his hair and hold him to her.
“Rowan,” another moan, and he switched sides bringing his mouth to her other breast, using his fingers to roll and squeeze the first one. He bit down on the hard peak before quickly soothing the pain with his lips and tongue. “Oh, gods!”
His hands came back down to her hips and used his strength to flip them so Aelin was now on her back with Rowan leaning over her, one hand on each side of her head caging her in.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and arched her back, pressing their chests together and they both moaned at the feeling. He took one hand and held her jaw, moving his thumb to brush along her lower lip. Aelin brought his thumb into her mouth and sucked, hard.
A deep growl sounded from Rowan as he yanked his hand back and slid it down to light grip her throat.
She was so wet already. She had felt herself get hotter and slicker from the moment he kissed her neck outside the apartment, only getting needier as they kept going. But the feeling of his hand on her throat, holy gods, she was soaked.
“Rowan, fuck, I need you!” Aelin tried to pull him closer to her but instead, he slid down her body, leaving a trail of hot kisses down her breasts, her stomach, lower.
Rowan smoothed his hands down her thighs, slowly spreading them and settling himself between her open legs.
“I know,” he placed a kiss on the inside of her knee. “But there’s something I want to do first”
She’d let him do whatever he wanted.
Aelin propped herself up on her elbows to better see him as he kissed the inside of her other leg, slowly moving his hands higher, closer towards where she needed him most.
“Stop teasing me.” She desperately needed him on her—in her.
She could feel more than see his smirk against her inner thigh. “If you think this is teasing…” he trailed off as he let out a dark chuckle. The sounds sent tingles up her spine and straight to her core.
Her head fell back with a sharp gasp as Rowan blew a cool breath on her through her underwear. Resting his cheek against her inner thigh, he bit down softly as his finger traced an outline around her clit, the fabric adding another level of friction
She choked on a moan.
“These,” Rowan moved his finger along the edge of her underwear now, slowly dipping beneath to touch her aching skin. “need to come off.”
Aelin could barely comprehend how fast he gripped the sides of her panties and yanked them down her legs. She was completely naked, sprawled out before him, and for some reason, he still had his pants on.
But before she could complain about the disparity, his mouth was on her.
Rowan used his hands to keep her legs from closing as he buried his face between her thighs and ate like he was on the cusp of starvation.
Swirling his tongue around her clit, he took it in his mouth and sucked. Aelin tried to buck her hips but he kept a firm grip, and she looked forward to seeing the marks he left on her. He moved so an arm came across her hips, securing her in place, and moved his other to drag a finger down her slit.
Aelin might’ve been embarrassed at the sounds she was making if it didn’t feel so gods damned good.
He licked a stripe up the front of her pussy, groaning. “You’re dripping,” another lap of his tongue, “Do you think about this, Aelin?” Gods, she fisted his hair, keeping his head where she needed him. “Do you think about me on my knees, worshiping you?” he brought his tongue back to her clit and slipped a finger inside her.
Aelin let out a strangled groan as he immediately pulled out and pushed back in with a second finger.
“While you’re working? Do you watch me from across the site, wanting to feel me against you?”
Aelin couldn’t think around the sensations he was creating.
"On you? In you?"
She could feel the hot coil in the pit of her stomach rise.
Rowan added a third finger, sucking her clit hard. “Because I do.”
At his words, Aelin felt herself fall over the edge.
“Yes!” she screamed, as her legs shook, and her eyes rolled back as her orgasm took over. Wave after wave of pleasure shooting through her. Rowan continued his ministrations, drawing her through her orgasm.
When she finally settled, still panting, he quickly kissed her clit making her twitch. She watched through glazed eyes as he finally took off pants and his hard cock sprung free. Her mouth dried up. Rowan crawled back over her and kissed her deeply. She brought her hands to his hair, playing with the soft strands at the base of his neck, moaning softly as she tasted herself on his tongue.
She pulled away, giving him a smile.
“That was what you wanted to do?” She asked slowly, dragging her hand down his muscled chest and stomach.
Rowan hummed in affirmation.
“Then you can do that whenever you want.”
Rowan laughed into her neck, but it quickly morphed into a groan as she gripped his cock in her hand. She started slow, running her thumb over his head, swirling the drops of liquid around and down to make her movements easier.
His head dropped to her shoulder and he started to let out groans through clenched teeth. He bit down on her collarbone when she picked up speed, tightening her grip on him and twisting as she moved up and down his hard length. She could tell he was close when he started bucking his hips into her hand. His hands were clenching the sheets and she kissed along his jawline.
She attempted to flip them so she could take him in her mouth like he did for her. She’d be lying if she said she hadn’t imagined what his cock would taste like in her mouth, how it would feel down her throat. She just needed to feel him inside her. As if he could sense it, he gripped her hips keeping her firmly in place.
“Next time.” He promised gruffly. And of-fucking-course there would be a next time.
Rowan grabbed a condom from gods-knew-where.
“Prepared, are you?” She looked at him expectantly.
He smirked down at her as he ripped the foil open and rolled it on. “Hoping for the best.”
Then he grabbed her legs and pulled her to the end of the bed, gripping one to hook around his hip. Feeling her leg wrap around him, he moved his hand so his thumb could gently rub her clit. Rowan stayed like that for a few seconds, watching Aelin’s eyelids flutter as the pleasure started building again. Using his other hand, he gripped his cock and rubbed against the lips of her pussy, coating himself in her arousal. They both moaned at the feeling.
Rowan waited until she opened her eyes.
“Rowan, gods.” She cursed and held his gaze.
He slowly slid into her and it took all his restraint not to slam in to the hilt at the first feel of her. Her hands came up to claw his back and he knew there would be red marks left over.
The feel of him inside her was incredible, and his thumb still making circles on her clit turned her blood to fire. After a few moments, she lifted her hips to meet his, urging him to move.
Like a man unleashed, her movement snapped whatever restraint he still had. His hips pounded into hers relentlessly. He worked an arm under her waist to lift her hips and hit even deeper.
“Gods! Fuck, yes, right there!” Aelin couldn’t think beyond the pleasure she felt as he kept hitting that spot deep inside her. Rowan watched as her mouth opened in silent ecstasy as his finger on her clit circled faster. She gripped his arms almost painfully as her second orgasm overtook her.
Rowan grunted but didn’t stop. When Aelin finally came down from her high, she used the leg wrapped around him to turn them over so that he was now on his back. Aelin kept up his movements, bouncing up and down his cock as he gripped her waist and pulled her body down to his. When he took one of her nipples in his mouth her movements stuttered and she fell forwards, catching herself by bracing her hands on his chest.
But Rowan just grabbed her wrists in one hand, lifting them over his head and she wordlessly grabbed the headboard behind him. Her breasts were now lined up in front of his face and he took full advantage of that. He braced his feet on the bed, wrapped his arms around her waist securing her to him, and started thrusting upwards into her.
“Fuck, Aelin.” Rowan kept grunting, “I’m close”
“Gods yes.” She moaned again as she felt her final orgasm rise. “So close!”
She couldn’t feel anything beyond Rowan. His hands, his mouth, his body, his cock. Rowan slapped her ass once and that sharp sting sent her over the edge. She screamed, holding tightly to him as his thrusts stuttered and then he was coming, brought to his own climax by the feel of her spasming around him. Long moments passed as Aelin stayed wrapped around him, both trying to catch their breaths.
Gently, Rowan lifted her off him and slowly slid out of her. She whimpered slightly at the loss of him. Rowan got up and threw away the condom before coming back with a damp washcloth for them to both clean off. Throwing it in the hamper, Rowan crawled back into the bed and wrapped his arms around Aelin, pulling her tightly against him.
Aelin’s head settled in the crook of his shoulder, her hand splayed over his chest and her leg thrown over one of his. “That was…” She trailed off, her brain still too fuzzy to finish her thought.
“Yeah.” Rowan’s fingers played with her hair.
She looked up at him and raised her head to kiss him softly.
“Amazing.”
She could feel his smile against her mouth.
“Yeah.”
Aelin fell asleep wrapped in Rowan’s arms, feeling satisfied and excited for whatever would come next.
***
Part 7
*****
If you want to be tagged just send me a message or reply!
I love that Will can’t stand the fact that his kids use what he did when he was young against him. Like “come on dad, you get to rush off to Cadir Idris to save mom and defeat a clockwork army, but we can’t hunt for the thing killing shadow hunters? Uncool.” But honestly...Will as a dad is a mood on its own.
Aelin and Rowan figure out what to do next after they've shared their feelings and more than a few kisses. A little bit of Rowaelin fluff.
Part 6 | Fic Masterlist
Warnings: Very Light NSFW, Language
2449 words
*******
“And that,” Rowan used his free hand, the one not holding hers, to point towards a dark blue storefront tucked into an alley with its front display showcasing several books. “Is the best bookshop in town.”
Aelin snapped her head to where he was pointing, gasping.
“How did I not know that was there?” She supposed maybe it was because the store was hidden from the main street, but she walked down this road every day on her way to the site, how could she have missed a bookshop?
“Not a lot of people know about it,” Rowan answered her mental question, glancing down at her excited face, already knowing that she would be going to the shop as soon as she could. “It’s a bit of a hidden gem for the locals.”
Rowan had insisted on walking her back to her apartment. And though part of her wanted to protest and say that she could more than handle herself on the dark streets, she really didn't want to argue about spending more time with him. Much.
They had stayed in his workspace for a while after that initial kiss, taking their time to learn each other's mouths. And necks, and other parts. Rowan had lifted her up onto the table, stepping between her legs so she could wrap them around his waist and pull him closer. They only stopped their increasingly heated make-out session when he pushed her down and she heard the crumpling of the maps beneath her. The sound, and feel of rough paper beneath her, yanked them back into the moment.
Aelin helped Rowan put the maps away after fixing themselves. It definitely took longer than necessary because every time they passed each other, one would grab the other for another kiss.
When they were done, Rowan finished locking up the site. Then grabbed her hand and started walking back towards town. They kept a leisurely pace as he pointed out some of his favorite places.
Aelin drew her eyes back to his and tucking herself a little closer to his side, she raised a brow at him.
“Are you considering yourself a local, then?”
Shrugging, Rowan told her, “I’ve spent my last four summers here. The people are nice, and by the time I came back the third year, most of the locals recognized me.”
Aelin gave him a look. “You know,” she squeezed his hand, “they probably don't see many silver-haired, tattooed, archaeologists.” She looked him up and down and she thought he puffed up a little under her gaze. “I doubt they’d confuse you with someone else.”
Rolling his eyes at her, he kept talking, “I found that place,” he nodded towards the alley they passed, “two years ago. I was looking for a specific book on local history. They didn't have it, but,” he looked down at her with a fond smile, “when I stopped in the next summer, the owner had ordered it and kept it on hold for me.”
“I guess I haven't spent enough time exploring this place yet.” Aelin winked at him. “I could use a tour guide.”
Chuckling, Rowan tugged her along. He showed her another building. “This,” he stopped in front of a light green building with a handwritten Bakery sign in front. “Is the bakery.”
“I never would’ve guessed.” She looked pointedly at the large sign.
Rowan sent her a dry look, and she smirked back at him.
“Emrys, and his husband Malakai, run this place.”
Aelin resigned herself to the fact that a lot of her money would be spent at this bakery. In her opinion, chocolate hazelnut pastries were a gift from the gods.
After a few more minutes, they arrived at the small apartment she was renting for the summer. Pausing at the door, Aelin turned so she was facing Rowan.
Part of her wanted to invite him in and drag him into her bed. Or her couch, it was closer. She now knew how strong his hands felt on her, and she wanted to feel them all over. And she definitely wanted to find out what his mouth could do on other parts of her too.
But she could also tell that whatever this was between them was important. She could feel it. And she didn't want to rush into it and ruin it. She was trying to explain that to the heat building between her legs. Gods, he was just looking at her, he wasn't even touching her beyond her hand that was wrapped in his. Pull it together, Aelin!
As if he could hear her internal debate, a smug little smile appeared on his face. He stepped closer to her, enough to make her back up into the door. She tried to focus on the smoldering look in his eyes as he brought his free hand up to the small of her back. He leaned in, and just as she thought he would kiss her again, he paused.
“Have dinner with me tomorrow.” His words were rough, almost guttural as if it took all his restraint to not live up to the fantasies Aelin was thinking up in her head just now.
Rowan could feel his heart pounding in his chest. Aelin looked up at him with a fire in her eyes that took all of his willpower not to stoke. There was something about her that made him want to grab her, kiss her, fuck her─hold her, and never let go. He’d never felt so intensely about someone so quickly. It scared him, in the best way.
Which is why he needed to know that she wanted this too. Wanted him, too.
Reaching up to place her hand on his chest, she smirked. It was cute that he thought she’d say no. Especially because she had her tongue down his throat less than an hour ago. If she looked closely, she could even see traces of her lipstick around his mouth. It sent a wave of satisfaction through her, she almost wished there had other people on the streets to see it. Her mark on him. She guessed if she looked in a mirror, she’d probably see some marks on her left from his mouth too. It brought an almost feral smile to her face.
“How about coffee tomorrow morning?” Aelin doubted she could wait a full day to see him again. They would be on-site together, sure, but she doubted they could just be Aelin and Rowan, and not some semblance of Dr. Galathynius and Dr. Whitethorn.
Rowan grinned at that, “That sounds great.” His grip tightened around her.
She threw him another wink, as she released the hand holding hers to move both her hands to his chest. His very solid chest. “And dinner.”
Now he chuckled, securing both arms around her. “Even better.”
They moved at the time, their lips pressing firmly into each other. They stood like that on her front stoop for a while. His hands roamed up her back until one held the back of her head and the other pulled her farther into him. His tongue ran along the seam of her lips and she immediately opened for him. The feeling of his tongue on hers made her grip his hair tighter and she heard Rowan let out a small groan as she did so. Remembering they were still outside, they both slowed the kiss, breaking apart and breathing heavily. Aelin pressed on his chest and he loosened his arms around her, still keeping her close.
Taking a deep breath, Aelin could feel her cheeks starting to hurt from smiling. “I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”
Rowan just nodded, as if he couldn't form words yet. She immediately missed the feeling of his strong grip as he let her go and took a step down the stairs.
She leaned in and gave him one last kiss on the cheek. “Goodnight Rowan.”
He waited until she had unlocked her door and stepped into her apartment.
“Goodnight Aelin”
Aelin watched through her peephole as he ran a hand through his hair, grinning widely to himself, and turned and walked away.
*****
Making sure to set her alarm even earlier than normal, gods why did archaeologists have to start the day so early, she sent off a short text to Elide.
Aelin: You were right.
Aelin put her phone down before she could see Elide’s response, and fell asleep smiling.
BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ
Stupid alarm, stupid phone, five more minutes…
Aelin jerked up, suddenly remembering why her alarm was going off early. Jumping out of bed, she finished getting ready in record time.
She was about to walk out the door when she saw two new text messages pop up on her screen. The first was from Elide.
El bell: YES! Get some!
Aelin laughed, rolling her eyes at her friends, and watched as a second text came in a moment later.
El bell: But for real: be safe, have fun, give me alllllll the details later, and make sure he knows that if he hurts you I won't hesitate to come to help you bury his body. He should know that as a bioarchaeologist you know how to make sure remains look like an accidental death. Love you!
Still laughing, Aelin sent back a few heart emojis and looked at the other text.
Unknown Number: Good morning, Aelin. Hope you don't mind, I got your phone number from your last email. There’s a coffee shop right down the block from my apartment. WE can grab some before heading to the site.
Then sent a location she could open in her maps.
Unknown Number: This is Rowan, by the way.
Grinning, she added his contact and mentally kicked herself for not saving his phone number before. She wrote back.
Aelin: That’s perfect! I’m walking out the door now. And I kinda assumed it was you, Rowan
Mr. Tattoo: Great, I’ll see you soon.
After checking her bags to make sure she had all her notes for the day, Aelin locked her door and began walking towards Rowan's apartment.
Following her map, she ended up in front of a small pub. Just as she was about to text Rowan, a door next to the entrance opened, and he walked out.
“Convenient.” She nodded towards the bar that apparently was just below Rowan’s place.
Huffing a laugh, he adjusted his bag and motioned for them to start walking.
“A little too convenient.” Rowan looked down at her with a smirk. “I don't know how many times Fenrys has crashed on my sofa because he’ll choose this bar knowing I’m right upstairs.”
Aelin let out a bright laugh and Rowan felt a sense of pride knowing it was because of what he said. They kept bumping shoulders as he guided her towards the coffee shop.
*****
“One large dark roast, black.” Rowan grabbed his wallet after greeting the barista and nodded at Aelin, “and whatever she’s having.”
Aelin smirked to herself. Of course, he ordered it black. Turning her smile towards the barista, she ordered her drink and told him that coffee was on her next time.
Rowan rolled his eyes but liked knowing that she wanted there to be a next time.
They arrived on site a little while later and were about to go to their separate buildings when Fenrys strutted up to them with a shit-eating grin.
Rowan groaned, making Aelin look at him in question. He just murmured to her, “Just ignore him. Whatever he's about to say, ignore it.” Now she was really intrigued.
Stopping a few feet away and crossing his arms, Fenrys teased, “Dr. Galathynius! I hope you had a lovely morning.” Noticing Aelin and Rowan’s matching coffee cups, Fenrys grinned even wider, “I see Rowan showed you the coffee shop,” Another smirk towards Rowan, “right down the road from his place.”
It didn't take much to understand what Fenrys was insinuating.
Before Aelin could retort, Rowan fixed him with a glare.
“Don't you have undergrads to instruct today? Might wanna get going.” Aelin almost laughed at the indignant look Fenrys threw him.
Rowan’s tone didn't offer room for argument but that apparently didn't stop Fenrys from doing so.
“What? No, I don't. I’m inside going over the logs today.”
“Nope.” Rowan gave a satisfied smile to a frowning Fenrys. “Today, you get to show the newbies how to properly use the mattocks today.”
Fenrys rolled his eyes, groaning at Rowan, and pointed a finger in his face. “This is a misuse of power.” but then added, “Fine. Whatever, I think there's something Luca and I need to discuss, anyway.”
Fenrys shot them both another smirk before turning to head over towards the pit.
“Do I want to know what that was about?” Aelin watched Rowan shaking his head at his retreating friend.
“No.” He let out a long-suffering sigh. “No, you don't”
She hummed in response. She absolutely wanted to know; maybe she’d find Fenrys later and make him tell her what he meant if Rowan wasn't going to. She assumed it had something to do with her which just made her all the more curious.
They walked further into the site, saying hello to some of the students as they passed. Just before they got to Rowan’s station, she pulled him around the side of the building away from the noise and prying eyes. Dropping her bag, she grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him against her as she leaned back on the wall.
Rowan braced his hands on either side of her head, caging her in, and brought his mouth down to hers.
He pressed his body into hers and Aelin could feel the heat radiating off him as she brought her hands around and gripped his back. He gave her a searing kiss, making her wish they were back at her apartment. Or at least in her workstation and not out in the open where anyone could walk by. But, she’d admit she liked the thrill of it.
She moaned softly as he sucked her bottom lip between his and thought her brain might stop functioning when he moved his tongue to lick the roof of her mouth. Gripping his hair tightly, she responded by pulling him even closer to her and moved her lips in sync with his.
Gods, it was like she couldn't get enough.
But then she pulled away, breathless but smirking.
“I’ll see you later.” She ducked under his arms and quickly picked up her bag, laughing at his incredulous expression, “I’ve got work to do, Dr. Whitethorn.”
She smoothed hair and sent him one last wink, and then she was gone.
***
Part 6
*******
This was a fluffy little filler part. Don't worry, I have more planned about how Rowan and Aelin work together, definitely some smut because they can't keep their hands off each other, more bones, and eventually a conclusion/epilogue. Thank you so much for reading!
If you want to be tagged, send me a message or reply!
discoholicmusic
theartofmadeline
yousharknotpass
vaporwave
areudirty
annaxmalina
