Chocolate Smiles by Stella Mira

A Forbidden Trap

Sunset Miko's Once a Week Challenge

Prompt: Kingdom

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Kagome was lounging on her favorite bench beneath the sakura trees, reading one of her favorite books and enjoying a peaceful afternoon. Today, she had chosen one of her childhood fairy tales on a whim, feeling strangely drawn to the story after her encounter with the two little angels the previous day. She secretly hoped to meet them again sometime—even if she would be, most probably, deprived of a large quantity of sweets.

Little chocolate addicts. She chuckled at the thought then reached for her backpack. It was time to take a break and indulge in her latest chocolate masterpiece—brownies with hazelnut syrup.

Kagome filled a cup of her jasmine tea, savoring the fragrance as she laid out the brownies in her old green tray. Before she had a chance to taste her delicious creation though, she caught sight of two small forms inching closer, hidden behind some bushes. The lilting sound of giggles inundated the air.

Heh, so you appeared again, tiny thieves! She suppressed a chuckle and tilted her head the other way, pretending not to have noticed their seemingly stealthy approach. Soon, a pair of small hands darted forward, reaching for the brown delicacies. Before they had time to snatch the sweets though, she moved the tray on her lap and out of their reach.

“Mmm…these are delicious. It’s a shame I can’t eat them all by myself though. If only I had someone to share…” Kagome sighed, fighting the urge to flash a grin as she picked up a small piece and ate slowly, waiting for them to reveal themselves.

Just as she had predicted, they quickly ran out of their hiding place and appeared before her with mischievous grins. They peered at her behind sparkling, half-lidded eyes.

“Well, hello there again.” Kagome smiled warmly, and they erupted in laughter, but still stayed silent.

“You want some brownies?” Kagome passed the tray under their noses, tempting them, and they leaned forward to smell at the exquisite aroma. They both nodded in enthusiasm, bobbing their heads up and down cutely.

“Oh, alright. Though, it’s not fair to give them without something in return…” Her gaze scintillated with mischief, then she grinned. “How about you keep me some company while I read this fairytale about a magical kingdom?”

Their eyes glimmered at the prospect of getting chocolates and hearing a story. Shyly, they came closer, but the bench was a bit too high for them to climb on their own. Chuckling at their cute but unsuccessful tries, Kagome gently picked them up and placed them on either side of her. They snuggled close as they accepted the chocolate sweets, their faces practically beaming, and she picked up her book again.

“A long, long time ago, there was a magical kingdom where a beautiful princess lived…” she began softly. Their eyes were bright with awe each time she changed her voice to fit in with the characters, enthralled by the elaborate tale.

“…The prince married the princess and they lived happily ever after.” Kagome finished the tale half an hour later, closing the book to study the little angels who had leaned over to each of her sides. Their eyes were drooping and they both sported identical chocolate smiles. She caressed their dark curls with affection. Sensations were tugging at her heartstrings. Warm. Tingling. Careful not to disturb the children, she lay back down, letting the sunrays lull her into a nap as she held them to avoid having them fall off accidentally.

Kagome had drifted off into dreamland when she felt a gentle touch at her left shoulder, rousing her from the light sleep. Heavy lashes rose languidly. Kagome fell into fathomless black. Magnetic. Her gaze widened. Her heartbeat spiked. That man was leaning above her, staring into her hazy eyes. Her gaze traveled lower on his face—amusement slathered on thin lips, sensually curved.

“I’m sorry. I must have fallen asleep. I didn’t mean to kidnap your children.” She apologized, still dazed, voice low and husky from sleep.

“It appears I am the one who has to apologize for my children’s mischief once again. I see your tray is empty this time as well.” He motioned to her green tray, now specked with crumbs—but his voice… It was full of rasp and masculine undertones. Shivers slithered down her spine. Heat suffused her body. Kagome flushed.

“They sure have a healthy appetite.” It was part joke, part distraction. She spoke in hushed tones, careful not to wake the sleeping angels.

“I cannot argue with that.” And he laughed, an utterly aphrodisiac sound that played havoc to her sensitive ears. He then proceeded to extricate the children from her embrace, holding them close to his chest. They snuggled closer, burying their heads on each side of his neck. The sight nearly made her faint from the sheer cuteness.

“Thank you for indulging them once more.” He inclined his head in appreciation, then turned to walk toward the exit of the park in slow, measured steps, leaving her to admire his lithe form silently.

Damn, my mind short circuited again… What is this man doing to me? I didn’t even ask for the kids’ names… Oh well, maybe it’s for the best. This is a very dangerous situation… I was about to fall head first into a forbidden trap… Kagome sighed, half-relieved and half-dejected at how this second encounter had ended.