Chapter 10

Kitty's POV

An hour later, Dante and I had our stomachs full with a halfway decent salad and a few biscuits Dante had managed to find hidden away.

Kitty: Well, I think I'd better take my leave.

Dante: Don't be ridiculous. There's a storm outside.

Kitty: I'll be fine, Lord Radcliffe.

Dante: Katherine, there is a storm outside.

Kitty: A little rain never killed anyone.

Dante: I don't think its a little rain and if getting struck by lightning is your plan to get out of this engagement then its a poor one!

Kitty: Fine.

He chaperoned me to a guest room that I'd be using for the night.

Dante: Well, this is it. My room is just down the hall should you need me.

Kitty: I have nothing to sleep in.

Dante: Oh! One moment.

I shifted on my feet as I waited for him, a cold draft passing through. No doubt from the windy storm getting worse outside. In a few minutes he returned, holding something white in his hands.

Dante: Here you go.

I take the item, to find its a white shirt. His white shirt, no doubt. I feel a blush creep up on my cheeks faintly as I grip it tightly.

Dante: I'd go borrow something from Delilah, but she hates being woken up. And it should...I mean I hope it fits you alright.

Kitty: Thank you.

I stood on my tiptoes and gave his cheek a quick kiss.

Dante: No, thank you.

I saw his gaze on me darken a bit, before coughing.

Kitty: Well, goodnight.

Dante: Goodnight.

I entered the bedroom and took a look around. It was rather out of style for my taste, but the bed looked comfortable enough. Not that that mattered with how tuckered out I was. I curled up onto the bed, pulling the white sheets over me. I then snuggled into the bed as I closed my eyes and started drifting off to sleep.

I was startled awake by a loud crash of thunder that shook thw whole mansion inside out. Letting out a scream in fright as I clutched at the blankets around me.

Dante: Kitty!

I felt Dante slide into the bed beside me, before pulling me close as I teared up.

Dante: Shh...It's alright.

Kitty: I...

I felt his hand rub up and down my back as he held me, soothing me with his voice.

Dante: It's alright, Kitty. I'm here.

I took in a deep breath as I concentrated on the fact it has just been thunder. And that the thunder seemed to have calmed down now. Before realizing that Dante was currently in my bed.

Kitty: What are you doing here?

Dante: Um...I heard you scream. And I got worried you were hurt.

Kitty: Worried?

I felt my chest clench oddly as I heard him, before relaxing in his embrace some.

Dante: Are you alright?

Kitty: Yes. I think it was just the thunder.

Dante: Yeah, it's a pretty nasty storm out right now. Luckily, you're in a house that was built sturdily.

Kitty: Oh, now I feel so safe.

Dante: As you should. Well, I'd better leave..

Kitty: Stay. I heard the word come out of my mouth before I could stop it.

Dante: Do you want me to?

Kitty: Y-yes..

Dante: Then I'm not going anywhere.

I couldn't help but smile at that, before closing my eyes and slipping off to sleep. I felt him pull me a bit closer as he soon joined me. The next morning I woke up with Dante still sleeping next to me. It took me a moment to remember where u was and what had happened. A more awake Katherine might have pushed the bedroom guest away, but in my sleepiness I merely snuggled closer. He was so warm.

Dante: You cuddle in your sleep.

His voice was thick with sleep as he teased me.

Kitty: You're so warm.

Dante: Finally something you like about me.

Kitty: Shut up. You're ruining the moment with your mouth.

Dante: Ouch. And I'll have you know my mouth often makes things better.

Kitty: Rake.

Dante: Not anymore, Kitty.

Kitty: Is it time to get up yet?

Dante: No, Love, get some more sleep.

I nodded at his words before slipping back off to sleep.

Later that morning it was time to wake up and get ready. I noticed a small pile of clothes on the dresser, no doubt some of Delilah's for me to wear. I looked over them, trying to decide what to where.

Delilah: Oh, you're finally awake. I hope you like the clothe I had left out for you.

Kitty: It's very nice, yes. Thank you.

Delilah: Well, I couldn't have my future sister-in-law in the same dress two days in a row.

I opened my mouth to correct her, before remembering there was a chance Dante hadn't told her the truth either.

Kitty: How was your visit to France?

Delilah: Oh, it was the most delightful place! Well, I mean, of course it must be with how elegant and refined it is.

Kitty: Yes, of course.

Delilah: Have you ever been abroad, Miss. Hawthorne?

Kitty: We went for a holiday in Scotland once, though, I hardly know if that counts as abroad.

Delilah: Oh, no, I don't believe it does. It's hardly abroad if there's not a significant body of water between the two places.

Kitty: You seem to be quite fond of it. I almost wonder why you came back.

I saw her happy expression drop for a moment, watched the way she fiddled with her dress fabric.

Delilah: I was not exactly fond of returning either.

Kitty: Might I ask why?

Delilah: It is no matter now. It's all in the past.

Kitty: What's on the past?

Delilah: I'd prefer not to talk about it.

Kitty: O-oh.

Delilah: Oh, Dante, you've returned. Is the estate fine?

Dante: There's a few places where some libs fell, but all in all I think we're okay.

Delilah: Great! That means I wont be delayed on my walk later today. Miss. Hawthorne, you simply must join me for it.

Kitty: Oh, I am sure I will be taking my leave by then.

Delilah: Nonsense! Oh, Dante, tell her she must stay.

Dante: I don't have a death wish.

Kitty: I couldn't possibly impose...

Delilah: Oh, it wouldn't be imposing! I need female companionship desperately. Dante is boring.

Dante: Pardon?

Kitty: I cant argue with you there.

Delilah: So, will you stay? At least another few days.

Kitty: I don't have clothes though...

Delilah: You may keep borrowing mine. Or we can always write your family and send for them.

Dante: If you two are finished, I wanted to show Miss. Hawthorne something.

Kitty: What?

Dante: Come find out.

I looked around at a lavish garden, a large rival to my own at home.

Kitty: Oh...

I let out a happy sigh as I looked around; it was beautiful here.

Dante: It's quiet here, I thought perhaps you'd like to write here when we're m- I mean while you're staying here.

Kitty: I...

I glanced around at the space and realized he was right. It was serene here, peaceful. I could see myself getting word after word out and story after story here.

Kitty: Thank you.

Dante: You're welcome. Now what shall we do?

Kitty: Truth or dare?

Dante: Careful, we might end up engaged again.

Kitty: Speaking of that...

Dante: No, I don't have a plan yet.

Kitty: Of course not.

Dante: Kitty, we could...

Kitty: Could...?

Dante: I mean... I would gladly...

Delilah: There you two are!

Kitty: Hello, Lady Delilah.

Delilah: Dante, are you quite finished? I wanted Miss. Kitty to join me on my morning stroll.

Dante: She's all yours, I guess.

Delilah: Oh, goodie!