Loren POV

I woke up from my catnap feeling slightly groggy; it felt like I was asleep for hours but it was only about 20 minutes. Louis’ warm body was curled around mine and I could easily have stayed like this all day. Suddenly, he stretched in his sleep and was lying on his back, his left arm stretched above his head elongating his torso. His movements shifted the sheet down so that it barely covered his pubic area and I couldn’t resist the urge to drink in his body. This was the first time I could actually just look at him and I took in every millimeter of his physique.

The first thing I noticed was how tone and fit he was, but not bulky. I don’t think I’d find his body as attractive if he was the big, brawny type since I am so small. Louis has a littering of tattoos across his arms and chest and I scrutinized each one. Most of them seemed so random that I couldn’t understand why he had them. Obviously, the one that graced his collarbone and top of his chest must be his motto to live by and; even though I barely know Louis, it seems very much him. The number on his chest I could not stop wondering about the significance of that one; please don’t let it be the record number of women he slept with in a year.

While Louis has arguably the most gorgeous head of hair I’ve ever seen on a guy, he’s thankfully not a hairy guy. Yuck. He’d be getting waxed or undergoing laser treatments if he were because I would not be sleeping with that. That light dusting of hair on his sternum though is incredibly sexy and I have to resist the urge to bite and tug on it again. What is wrong with me? Has he drugged me or something because this is not how I usually think or behave? Usually? Hell, this is not how I have EVER acted in my life!

My eyes draw down his torso staring at his rib cage and fine abs. He is a beautiful site. Allowing my eyes to continue to gaze further down, they rest on Louis’ belly and I cannot even to begin to explain my reaction when I see it. Is it possible that a little belly pudge could evoke such a sense of desire? I mean it is so sexy. The skin looks soft as a baby’s bottom and I have an overwhelming urge to nuzzle it and cuddle up on his belly like a kitten. Jesus, I might even purr. I cannot pull my eyes away from staring at Louis’ belly. My breathing becomes heavy and I question my own sanity in this moment.

Trying to continue my voyeurism of my handsome fiance’s body, I look a little lower to where the sheet begins and I notice the prominent bulge under the fabric. If I had more bravery, I’d pull down the sheet to get a better look at a part of him that I’ve become familiar with but not actually really examined – just touched and I’m craving him again. Get a grip on yourself Loren!

I pull my eyes away, but they are drawn back to that damn sexy belly of his. Ugh, he’s making me crazy by doing nothing but sleeping. I look at Louis’ face and he still is slumbering with light little snoring sounds escaping his mouth. How is it possible that I am so drawn to him in such a short period of time? All I am sure of right now is that I want to touch that belly and I think I will lose my mind if I don’t. Carefully, I move myself so as not to wake him up. I move up on my knees next to his waist, bending over so my lips are only an inch from his belly. Taking in his scent, I can’t deny myself any longer. I take one last glance to make sure he is snoozing and I rub my nose against his tummy. Damn, his skin is soft there and I continue rubbing my nose against him. Losing all self-control, I lightly nip his skin and the bulge under the sheet twitches, which startles me.

“Don’t,” his voice is deathly serious and his hands grab me and pull me on top of him. Did I cross some line because he sounds pissed? After what he did to me in the tub, this seems like nothing, but what do I know? His eyes still are closed and I wait, holding my breath, for him to yell at me. He inhales deeply and says nothing. I can’t stand this silence and decide to spur on the fight.

“What?” I ask innocently. His eyes shoot open and are full of mischief. He surprises me by flipping me under him and pinning my wrists to the bed on either side of my head and I gasp.

“Don’t start something you aren’t prepared to finish love,” his aqua orbs burn a hole right through me and he runs his nose along my jaw and neck making me shiver.

“What are you going on about? I wasn’t starting anything.” I really wasn’t so I don’t know what he’s fussing about.

“Mmmm I think you’re telling tales. Your head was practically between my legs baby,” he mumbles against my collarbone.

“What?!” I shriek, “I did no such thing!”

“I felt your mouth on me. You wanted a taste of me, didn’t you? It’s okay. You can admit it. It’s just us love.” Oh that pissed me off. I start to struggle against him.

“You are insane! I was not going to give you a blowjob!” I feel the heat on my cheeks and I want to die from embarrassment having to retort his ridiculous claims. He stares at me with a smirk on his face.

“If you say so love. Nothing to be ashamed of. I’d be happy to give you what you want,” the little bastard winks at me.

“Oh my God! You are deranged! Okay, I admit it! I wanted to touch your damn pudgy belly and I lost control! Are you happy now?! But! I was never, and I repeat never, trying to give you a blowjob!” I think I am going to stroke out from the pressure in my head. That, or my head will just explode.

“Good to know. I was afraid your aim was that bad.”

“You ass!”

“Oh you like my ass too?”

“Yes. I mean no! I mean. Arhhhh! You are infuriating!” I want to punch him, but he won’t let me free.

“And I don’t have a pudgy belly,” he sasses me.

“Oh yes you do – and a big ass,” I find the urge to fight back with words since he has me physically restrained.

“My ass is perfection. Deal with it.”

“So you’ve said before. Now stop it and let me go you pig,” I continue to struggle. In a most mature manner, Louis begins snorting like a pig all over my skin. It takes everything in me to resist the urge to laugh at how ridiculous he is. “Good, I’ll be sure to put a trough in the dining room in Doncaster for you and I’ll take my meals alone at the table where civilized people eat.” I say feeling feisty. Louis starts laughing hysterically and falls on top of me with his full weight.

“You really are something Lor,” he kisses me and continues laughing against my lips.

“So are you, but I don’t think we want to discuss what that something is exactly,” I say trying to be serious but Louis’ laughter is contagious. After a few moments, he settles down and looks at me with a smile on his face.

“So, are you going to tell me why I woke up to you biting my belly since you weren’t going to blow me?”

“That’s rude,” I scoff.

“I’m rude. Get used to it love. Now tell me why your mouth was on me,” the look in his eyes is pure lust. I don’t think I could go another round with him right now.

“Umm. It looked inviting,” is all I manage to come up with. Piss poor I know.

“Inviting?” he says suggestively and raises his eyebrows.

“Uh yes. I wanted to feel it and I – well, you know the rest,” I manage to get out with only a minor stutter.

“Yes, but I want to know why baby.” He really needs to stop calling me baby. It makes me tingle too much.

“I didn’t realize I needed a reason,” I say dryly.

“You don’t need one. I’m just curious,” he says softly and pecks my lips.

“Curiosity killed the cat,” I say raising one eyebrow.

“Yes, but I could bring your pussy to life.” No words. He’s stunned me into silence why I try to collect my thoughts. “You know you want me Lor. That’s what this is all about.”

We just stare at each other. I’m unsure of what to say. Deep down I think he is right, but I’m terrified to even think about that. I’m not ready for this, but he’s making me crazy. Without warning he crashes his lips to mine while he still holds my wrists captive. Once he has me breathless, his lips begin to travel along my jaw and down my neck. Louis hits my sweet spot and begins sucking and biting my skin. When he licks over the spot, I feel a bolt of electricity shoot through my body right between my legs. My head falls back and a sound releases from my mouth that is indescribable. Louis captures my mouth again and I am adrift in longing for him. Suddenly, his knees pry my legs open and he settles in between them – and I am in a panic. He grinds into me and I feel him right there. So close to my entrance and I become nervous that he doesn’t plan on waiting for the wedding night any longer.

Mercifully, his phone alarm goes off.

“Saved by the bell,” I say with a nervous smile on my face. Louis groans and rolls over pulling me on top of him and finally releasing my wrists. His arms are wrapped around my waist.

“Can’t we just stay here all day? It was just getting interesting,” he whines.

“No. You promised me a ring and I’m holding you to it mister.” I try to push off him but Louis won’t release his hold on me. “Let me go. I need to get dressed,” I demand.

“No, just a few more minutes,” he pouts.

“Are you always this needy?” I ask and he ponders the question for a moment.

“Come to think of it – no.” He sounds surprised by his own answer.

“Okay. One more minute and then we get up.”

“I already am up,” he smirks and then grinds up into me and I roll my eyes at him.

“What am I going to do with you?” I ask in an exasperated tone. He shocks me by flipping me back under him and recapturing my wrists.

“I know exactly what you can do with me,” he whispers in my ear and nibbles on it. I moan and shift under him and he gasps when I accidentally hit his groin.

“Oops sorry,” I snicker.

“I should make you pay for that love. I think I should rather like to tie you up sometime. Holding your wrists down is exciting me more than I anticipated.”

“Pervert,” I scoff.

“You have no idea,” he leans in for another kiss, which I grant him. Finally, he comes up for air.

“Time’s up. We need to meet the jeweler,” I say trying to get him back on task.

“Fine. We’ll continue this later,” he says as he gives me a peck and climbs off me. Louis begins strolling towards my closet completely naked.

“Lou! Are you going to walk back to your room naked?” I ask scandalized. He turns around giving me the full view of his impressive length and I struggle to keep my composure. That ass catches me looking and smirks, standing there without intending to turn back around. He’s definitely no gentleman.

“Yes. No one is going to see me in the back hallway.”

“Okay. See you downstairs,” I can’t help giggling as he walks into the closet. He really does strut when he walks like he owns the damn place.

After Louis leaves, it takes me a minute to shake off all that happened between the two of us the past few hours. One minute we’re fine, then he hurt me, and then we spend the past hour doing things I’d never imagined. Time to get back to reality – even though mine and Louis’ reality is stranger than any work of fiction.

I get dressed and realize how much I am longing for this shopping and makeover trip with Perrie. So tired of the same, boring clothes that feel like I belong in a convent. I’m looking forward to wearing fitted, short clothing. Louis seems to like my figure so I think it’s time to start showing it off. Wow. He’s really brought up my confidence levels because a few days ago, I’d have been happy to stay covered up.

When I get downstairs, Sonja informs me that my father returned home and he, Jay, and Louis are all speaking with the jeweler in my father’s office. I walk into the room and my father introduces me to Timothy Jones, Cartier’s master jeweler. My father and Jay excuse themselves and leave Louis and me alone with the jeweler to pick out rings.

“Do you have any idea what kind of ring interests you?” Timothy, as he’s asked us to address him by his first name, questions Louis.

“Actually, we need to pick out a couple of rings. Loren needs an engagement ring fitting for a princess,” Louis wraps his arm around me and gives me a quick kiss, “and we need to pick out wedding rings for each of us.”

“Very good. When the arrangements were made for me to fly out here, I was given some size and cost parameters. So, I’ve brought with me the most beautiful and unique engagement rings and wedding bands in Cartier’s vault.”

“Perfect because the ring must be beautiful and unique just like Loren,” Louis looks at me with the sweetest smile on his face and it unnerves me because he is almost being too sweet. The look on my face must tell him I’m questioning him because the smile slips from his face and I wish I could do something to put it back on his handsome face.

“You’re too sweet Lou,” I coo and give him a kiss, which does put that smile back on his face.

“Okay, so do you have a preference on the center stone cut?” Timothy asks.

“Do you have a particular cut you like love?” Louis asks me.

“I’ve always liked marquis cut. What about you? Do you have anything in mind Lou?” I ask him. I don’t want Louis to think I am demanding. The fact that he is buying me a new ring because of my reaction to being given my mother’s ring is overwhelming and incredibly sweet.

“I don’t know much about diamonds, but I was thinking princess cut for my princess,” he literally makes me melt with his words and kisses me again. I’m starting to feel like we’re attached at the lips. Is this part of the act or is he being sincere? I’m not sure, but I’m struggling not to fall for him and get my heart crushed when he rejects me.

“Mushy much?” I tease him and he almost looks hurt. Jeez he’s hard to read right now. I snuggle into his side to let him know I want to be near him and he seems a little more content. He stares into my eyes like he’s trying to find something in them; I just smile at him.

“Well, we happen to have a few exquisite choices that might appeal to both of you,” Timothy snaps us out of our bubble. He gets up and walks back to my father’s desk, which I just notice is covered with large black velvet boxes. He checks a couple of the boxes before he finds what he is looking for and returns with a box to the table. When he opens the box, I am amazed to find one dozen of the most beautiful diamond rings I’ve ever seen. My breath hitches and I gasp. I look over to Louis and see his eyes wide and mouth opened.

“These are absolutely incredible,” Louis says with a voice filled with wonder.

“Yes, these are some of the most unique rings we’ve crafted. These particular 12 rings are a combination of marquis and princess cut diamonds in platinum settings,” Timothy says proudly.

“Louis, these are too much,” I can’t let him spend his money on me like this. His blowing money got him into this mess to begin with.

“No, these are perfect. The only problem here is deciding which one to pick from this lot. Timothy, I assume you honor terms?” The jeweler nods to Louis who gets a huge smile on his face. I still feel guilty that he is going to spend this money on me.

“Okay, do any of them stand out to you?” Timothy asks me.

“They are all so lovely, I don’t know where to begin,” I lie. One actually stands out to me beyond the others, but it’s easily the most expensive one by the looks of it and I won’t do that to Louis. Instead, I’ll just play it off as being unsure and hopefully Louis will choose. Whatever it is, I’ll love it because there is not a bad choice in the box.

“I think this one is perfect for Loren.” I follow Louis’ finger as he points to the ring that is the one that caught my eye.

“Louis! It’s too extravagant!” I hope he doesn’t feel obligated to pick this rung because of my father’s wealth.

“Nonsense, it’s perfect for you. Unless, of course, you don’t like it?” He sounds so unsure of himself and now I feel bad for ruining his excitement.

“No! I love it! Actually, it’s the one that caught my eye. I just didn’t want to ask for such an elaborate ring and have you think I was being a spoiled brat.” I rushed through my apology and I notice the jeweler’s amusement at our exchange.

“Do you love it?” Louis asks me point blank.

“Yes,” I whisper.

“Then, try it on silly,” Louis kisses my nose. Timothy hands Louis the ring and gives him the honor of sliding it on my finger to see if it fits.

Louis looks at me with a serious expression on his face. What is he thinking? Is he regretting this? Is he getting upset that he’s placing a ring on a finger of a girl he doesn’t love? I won’t be able to live with myself if he lives with regret over this.

Louis’ hands are ice cold and shaking as he takes my hand in his. Is he nervous or is this making him sick? I don’t know how to react so I just keep a smile on my face and look at him reassuringly. He begins to slide the ring on my left ring finger and it fits. I feel like Cinderella when the prince places the glass slipper on her foot and it fits. Literally, I feel like the princess Louis was joking about.

“It’s absolutely breathtaking,” I barely get the words out. Harlow is a magnificent ring, but this ring is so special it makes my mother’s ring pale by comparison. The center stone is an eight carat flawless marquis white diamond in a wide platinum band that takes up half the space from my knuckle to the base of my finger. On each side of the center stone is a row of seven princess cut diamonds encased on either side by a platinum channel. The band continues on with four additional rows of seven princess cut diamonds totaling another three carats of stones for 11 carats in all. It’s obscene.

“It fits. I feel like Prince Charming,” Louis’ smile is more vibrant than the diamonds on my finger. I can’t help but laugh at his words considering I was just comparing myself to Cinderella in my mind. We both admire the ring on my finger and then look at each other. Then, it feels like the most natural thing on earth to grab Louis and kiss him with everything I have in me. I want to show him all my gratitude, affection, and whatever this indescribable feeling is deep within me that I feel for him. When we finally pull apart, we are both breathless and a little embarrassed that we lost control in front of the jeweler.

“I should buy you diamonds every day if you’re going to kiss me like that love,” Louis says with a face splitting grin on his face, which I return.

“So sorry we forgot ourselves,” I apologize to Timothy blushing profusely.

“No apology necessary. I’m used to this reaction; it’s what makes my job so rewarding,” he gives us a genuine smile. “So, do we have a winner?” I look to Louis to make the decision.

“Most definitely. This is the ring,” Louis says proudly.

“Shall we look at some wedding bands then?” The jeweler asks. Louis and I look at each other and then nod in the affirmative at Timothy.

Picking out wedding bands proved to be a little more challenging. Actually, the process was hilarious – Louis was hilarious. He was quite adamant that his ring make him look macho. He didn’t want any girly looking rings. The faces he would pull at some of the choices were quite hysterical. In the end, I coerced him to try on a thick platinum band that had a two carat row of 8 princess cut diamonds in the center of the band. He couldn’t get past the fact that he’d be wearing ‘princess’ diamonds, but he loved the ring and decided to rename the stones on his ring ‘prince’ stones. He’s so ridiculous. The wedding band we chose for me was the matching one to Louis’. It had a thick platinum band – not as wide as Louis’ ring – with two carats of princess stones set in the band. Louis’ ring was a little large on him and would go back with Timothy to be resized and sent back to us in a few days.

Louis shooed me out of the room while he settled the terms of the bill for my rings. My father was paying for Louis’ ring on my behalf. I sat waiting on a loveseat in the hallway. About five minutes later, both men emerged from the room. Louis rushed to my side wrapping his arm around me and nuzzling into my neck. I’m not used to all this attention. It’s going to take time to be comfortable with all this affection and he seems to be turning up how publicly he displays his affection. Timothy insisted he’d let himself out of the house, against my protestations that it was bad manners to abandon a guest, and left us alone. He was probably embarrassed by Louis’ sudden amorous behavior – I know I was.

Within seconds of Timothy’s departure, Louis had me encased in his arms and placed sloppy kisses all over my neck that tickled. He acts like a maniac. Jesus, life won’t be boring with this boy. I’m giggling like a little girl half being from Louis’ assault and the other half from being giddy over this ring.

“Louis, I can’t thank you enough. This ring is positively amazing. I love it!” I squealed as he left a wet kiss on my sweet spot.

“Mmmmm good. Glad you love it,” he murmured in my ear. “Baby, you can show me how grateful you are tonight.” Louis grabbed me and pushed me against the wall and kissed me so thoroughly I almost fainted. I decided to stop thinking and just give in and feel. One hand flew into Louis’ hair and I grabbed a handful which elicited a moan from his mouth when I gave it a tug. He responded by squeezing my breast while biting my neck. My other hand moved down to his butt and I squeezed his cheek hard. Louis gasped with wide eyes.

“Fresh!” He yelled feigning offense pushing me away, but I could tell he definitely was shocked at my action.

“Oh that’s rich,” I laugh.

“Come here,” he commands, but I hold my ground reigning in my laughter but finding this whole encounter hilarious.

“Nuh-uh,” I shake my head and yelp when he grabs me back to him and starts kissing me again. I couldn’t help but smile into the kiss. This was the most genuinely happy moment of my life until it was interrupted.

“Good Lord! Can you two stop sucking face for more than a minute! It’s getting disgusting!” Harry shouted.

Harry POV

I was walking to the kitchen to ask for a cup of tea when I spot the love birds snogging in the hallway. Honestly, I don’t know what’s going on with these two. Could they really be falling for each other? Every time I see them they are kissing and touching. Louis acted like a mad man when he upset her earlier – I’ve never seen him so out of his mind with worry. Then, they go missing for a while and I don’t want to know what they were up to. All I know is if he hurts her, I’ll kill him myself. Louis’ hand begins to travel to one of Loren’s body parts and I don’t want to be witness to this so I start yelling.

“Good Lord! Can you two stop sucking face for more than a minute! It’s getting disgusting!”

I stifle a laugh when they jump apart looking like two teenagers who got busted by their parents making out in the back seat of a car. Louis glares at me clearly unhappy that I interrupted his little tryst. What does surprise me, and wash away all humor from my face, is when I notice Loren glaring at me. What’s this? Has Louis bewitched her or something?

“Harold! You ass!” Louis screams at me pointing his finger in my direction. Loren places her arm over Louis’, grabs over his hand, and he lowers his arm and visibly relaxes his body and smiles at Loren. This is probably the most shocking thing I’ve ever seen – Louis Tomlinson calming down by someone touching him. Louis does not calm down until he’s had his go at you and thrashed something or someone in the process.

“What the hell have you done to him Lor?” I ask in disbelief and they both look at me with puzzled expressions.

“I didn’t do anything Harry,” Loren says confused.

“No. You’ve definitely done something to him. Louis goes off on people. He does not calm the fuck down,” I say with a chuckle.

“Can we all please stop talking about me like I’m not here,” Louis sasses.

“Lou, I don’t think it’s possible to ignore your presence you loud mouth,” Loren gives it right back to him.

“You like my mouth,” he says smirking at her.

“Enough! I don’t need to see you two getting it on and I certainly don’t need to hear about it either!” I can’t take it anymore and start to walk past them towards my original destination.

“Wait Harold!” Louis shouts and I cringe but turn back around to face them looking expectantly at them.

“Oh yes,” Loren says like she just remembered something critical. “Harry, you are the first to see the official engagement ring.” She proudly stretches her hand out towards me and I am stunned when I see it.

“Wow. Lou, I should have taken you up on your Larry offer if I’d have known I’d get a rock like that,” I say wiggling my eyebrows and he swats me upside the head. “Ouch!”

“Not funny,” he growls.

“Seriously though, it’s absolutely amazing. I’m really happy for you both.” I give them both a hug.

“We’re going to find everyone else and share our good news,” Louis says proudly and snakes an arm around Loren’s waist.

“Very good. I’ll meet up with you in a few. Going to get a cuppa in the kitchen.”

“Okay, see you in a bit,” Loren says and Louis leads her down the hall.

I stand there unable to leave. My vision is focused on their retreating figures. They walk away all cozy with an arm loosely around the other’s waist. Looking back and forth at each other. Louis stealing a quick kiss and I see his big smile even with just a look at his profile and the smile reaches the crinkle in his eyes that he only gets when he truly is happy. I watch them until they turn the corner and disappear from my vision.

Still glued to my spot, I try to register what I’ve just witnessed. A day ago, I thought one of them would be arrested for killing the other. Now, I’m starting to think this crazy marriage might be the best thing that ever happened to Louis. I’m sure he’s too blind to see it, but I think he’s really fallen for Loren – legitimately fallen for her – and she seems to have a calming influence on him. I just pray that he’s not too stupid to realize it and mucks it up.

Notes

Wow! I can't believe I have over 5,500 reads! I am amazed! Thank you all so much for reading the story.

I think we've got enough foundation now that we can start moving forward in time a little bit.

So, do you agree with Harry's observations? Is Louis falling for Loren with out realizing it? Do you think Loren feels the same? Is someone going to get their heart broken?

We're going to be moving to the makeover trip at some point next chapter. Anyone have any favorite or dream designers they'd like to see thrown into the next chapter? If so, comment now or forever hold you piece!

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