I must have fell asleep on the long drive, because as I woke, I realized I was in a bed. The same bed I had woken up in when I was taken 'prisoner'. Sighing, I sat up and reached for my medicine that had been laid out on the nightstand. I swallowed down the pills with ease, no water needed. Then, I stood up and walked to the full length mirror. My wound was fading, and now only hurt when I touched it. My feet carried me out the door, plodding softly of the wooden stairs, leading me all the way to the kitchen. I froze, for there at the table sat Ludwig. His nose was buried it a musty looking map, crystal orbs examining the wrinkled paper. He looked tired, dark rings sagged under his eyes, hair tussled, and body slumped. I felt sorry for him. Quietly, I stepped behind him and placed my fingers gently on his shoulders. He jumped slightly at my touch, but relaxed a little as I cooed him. "Shh. It's just me." I murmured, trying to sound soothing. He shut his eyes, and leaned his head back onto my chest. "I don't need your help." He grumbled, sinking his weight slowly onto my body. I rubbed his shoulders firmly, circling my thumb around the blades. He groaned quietly, pressing into my touch. I continued this motion for a few minutes, enjoying the way he reacted to my fingers. Finally, he sat up, moving away from my fingers. My eyes lidded, feeling slightly disappointed. I picked up my feet, walking over to the counter. My bible fingers flew, assembling together several ingredients for Cheesy Pigs-In-A-Blanket. I threw the mix in the oven, setting the temperature and timer. Before I could turn around, I felt warm arms wrap around my waist, pulling me into a firm chest. Ludwig leaned down, placing his lips by my ear. "I'm sorry, liebling. I did not mean to hurt you." I caught soft sobs in my chest, biting my lip as built up frustration boiled over. I bit back a scream, wanting to yell. Anger and sadness wretched me as I yanked away from his grasp. I snapped, turning to stare into his eyes. "How could you?!" I growled, tears spilling out. his face showed true remorse. "Your the only man I've let in! And you just left me like I mean nothing to you!" My voice raised, my cheeks flushed. My heart clenched as I searched his face for answers. My knees weakened. I crumpled to the tile, clutching my knees. "How?! How can you do this to me when we only hit it once?!" I cried, sobs shaking me. His arms wrapped around me, pressing my soaked face into his chest. "Liebe, I'm sorry. So very sorry. I thought it would be best, but I was so wrong." He breathed, squeezing my body so tight it almost hurt. My body shook with sobs, and I tried to calm myself. My eyes caught his, and he leaned in closer. But I pushed him back by his chest. "I won't kiss you. Not until you promise me that you won't do this again." I whimpered. He pulled my arms back, pushing them against the cabinets behind me, pinning them above my head. Hot lips pressed to mine, so rough and firm. I melted, relaxing into his kiss. He pulled away, "I swear on my country, on my life." He murmured, pulling my body into a tight hug, nuzzling his nose in my neck. I wrapped my arms around him, burying my race into his messy blonde hair, inhaling his tantalizing scent. Rich cologne, dirt, and sweat, all so addicting. Pressing my weight to him, I let his arms cradle my body, as he applied soft nibbles to my collarbone.

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"Bella~! I'm so glad your stay with us now!" Felici giggled, his curl bouncing in excitement. His glass of wine tipping in his hand as his drunken haze began to affect his movements. His small figure swaying back and forth, bronze eyes lidded as the alcohol took to his vision. I laughed, enjoying the celebration the men had thrown for me. Ludwig leaned against the far wall, more tampered than I had seen before. His blue eyes glued to me, lazily lidded from the jug and a half of beer. But he somehow kept his cool, confident stance. Kiku sat beside me, seeming as though he hadn't had a drop of liquor, remaining his normally silent composure. I turned to him, smiling as I attempted to make conversation. "Man, I wish I could hold my liquor like you. You've already gone through a jar of the stuff, and yet you look completely sober." He looked down at the full jar of alcohol, reaching down, and wrapping his slender hand around it. Kiku lifted the jar towards me in a silent offer. I was curious, so I took hold of the jar, lifting the liquid to my lips and taking a gulp. It was sweet, yet burned my tongue, bringing warmth that ran down my throat. Tears perked slightly as the mouthful made my head a bit fuzzy. Felici squealed in concern, "Bella, are you alright?!" His eyes pooling in large tears. I laughed, "Si, Felici. I'm just fine." I turned to Kiku, "What is that called?" I asked. He smiled, "Saki." He worded plainly. "Saki. I like it. Strong, yet tastes good." I giggled, as a small hiccup escaped my lips. Kiku and I drank about four jars together, before he retired to his room, dragging a sleeping Felici with him. I laughed as the Japanese man stumbled out of the room with the drunken Italian on his shoulder. After the door shut, I sprawled out on the couch, fully aware that I wasn't alone. Ludwig finally moved from his stance, avoiding his empty bottles and jugs. His large hand supported him as he laid on the couch with me, resting his head on my stomach. I sighed, content with his weight on my body. It was comfortable, but at the same time his hot breath made heart flutter. I still didn't understand why he did this to me. He voice rang, deep and seductive in his drunken slur. "Is something wrong, Liebe...?" My heart fluttered, and, without thinking, I muttered the only German I knew. "Ich liebe dich..." Then, I realized my own words. He sat up quickly, his eyes catching mine. I cover my mouth, my face flushed, and words just ran out. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I wasn't thinking, it just slipped out! I'm so so sor-!" He cut me off by moving my hands from my mouth. My heart sank as he pushed me down onto the cushion, pinning my wrists to the soft pad. He's going to punish me! Ludwig, hovered above me as I squeezed my eyes shut, his lips moving so close to my ear it made me shiver. His hot breath echoed into the shell of my ear, and I trembled slightly. "Ich liebe dich auch..." He murmured, leaning lower to kiss my faded bruises. My heart thumped a million miles an hour, my breathing hitched. He loves me? He feels just as I do? I had never told a man, other than my brother, that I loved them. Of all the boyfriends I have had, of all the men I've seduced. None had hit me this hard. Ludwig's rough lips trailed my wound, softly covering it in kisses. As he gently touched me, a thought came into my head. "....Ludwig?" His head raised, eyes catching mine. "What if they catch us?" I asked. His brow cocked, "Who, Liebe?" "Felici, Kiku, ..." I paused, "Francis..." A small smile creeped onto his lips, and he sat back, pulling me up to sit in his lap. "Well, I'm not worried about Italy and Japan. But France.... I'll think of something." He smirked, making me grin. Our eyes locked, lips inches apart, lust glazing over his perfect aura. "Ludwig... please..." I slurred slightly, the Saki making my vision fuzzy. his hands traveled down my back, grasping onto my ass. I moaned softly, enjoying the feel of an erection growing under my thighs. "Ich liebe dich..." He whispered, pulling at the bottom edge of my shirt. "Je t'aime aussi." I giggled, grabbing his wandering hands, directing them to the buttons on my shirt.