Disclaimer: Okay…I own nothing of Gemma Doyle Trilogy…blah, blah, blah

P.S. I am a horrible writer to admit this, but I forgot the exact day so far in this story and I'm really tired and am not sure about reading through my files. Sorry if I messed up. And there is LEMON, big creamy LEMON so if ur sensitive to that or find the concept disgusting skip this chapter!

Chapter 8: Precious Gem

Night fell on the mansion with a sense of cheer and happiness, like a true family. Isabelle and Felicity helped to decorate and assist Kartik or Gemma in healing. Ann took care of the house with the help of Virgil and few other members. Gifts crowded under the tree and Felicity had pointed out to Gemma a gift sent from her grandmother and one from her brother. Isabelle entertained the guests with stories of her tomboy youth and hilarious antics of her family. So far only Felicity knew of the child and Ann was floating in a happy land with Virgil. Kartik and Gemma were just trying to stay awake the past few nights. Tonight was Christmas Eve and a small, beautiful dinner was set out on a table for everyone.

Virgil wore his tux, but tonight it gleamed brighter in the candles set about the room with the various decorations that also glinted. Seated across from him was Ann in an orange gown covered by a filmy, thin overcoat of red. Isabelle wore a reddish purple gown that revealed cleavage, but was loose around her shoulders while wearing her hair up in a cascading wave of curls, done by Felicity. Felicity wore a beautiful tuxedo, which actually looked great on her with her hair done in a tight bun decorated by a bowtie. However, she still wore high heels with the trousers. As Virgil began to pour wine Kartik took his spot at one side in a borrowed tuxedo from Virgil, it gleamed as well. Finally, Gemma stepped in. Everyone smiled at her as she entered.

Nervous and self-conscious the tall redhead walked in. She wore a rich green gown that fell to the floor with intricate deep purple embroidery set. It appeared to shine like silk and her hair was a wavy mane that seemed to shine like the silk also. Giving a sheepish smile she sat beside Kartik who gently rubbed his hand against hers as everyone settled to eat.

The meal was delicious, but Kartik and Gemma were not exhausted which meant their minds were elsewhere over the dinner chatter. It wasn't until Felicity and Isabelle's announcement that they stopped looking dazed and dreamy.

"You both are going to have a baby?" Gemma asked, confused. Even Kartik couldn't hide his shock and confusion. Isabelle blushed and Felicity nodded.

"There were some bad circumstances, but Isabelle is pregnant and we shall keep the child as our own. We will have a baby together, a happy family," Felicity announced, and beneath the table she held Isabelle's hand firmly. Although Ann kept quiet thinking, Gemma noticed the look in Felicity's eyes. She wanted reassurance, to know they approved, not that it would change her mind but it would offer comfort.

"That's great Felicity, somewhat of a miracle although it came in a bad way," Gemma said with a smile. Felicity loosened her grip on Isabelle and Isabelle seemed to glow now. The rest of their evening went along with discussions of the future and life or stories of the past.

"Kartik, what will you do when Gemma goes back to school?" Ann asked, taking a bite from apple pie. He looked up at Ann and Gemma became nervous. She hadn't thought of that yet, she just wanted him back.

"Ann!" said Felicity, frustrated and Ann apologized.

"How long have I been stuck Gemma?" Kartik asked, looking over at Gemma.

"I've already finished three years, I only have one semester left before transferring to another school Kartik…I think I'll become a doctor," Gemma said with a hint of worry. He looked sad for a moment.

"Women can be doctors now?" he asked.

"Well, it'll be hard and I planned on moving to India when I get these first years done and continue my doctor studies there. What do you want to do Kartik?" Gemma asked, sipping from her wine glass.

"I will be with you. Perhaps I can be your bodyguard?" Kartik offered with a smile and Gemma smiled back.

"Sure. You can do whatever you wish Kartik with your life," Gemma said with a smile, "Be a doctor, artist, or merchant. I will always be by your side."

"I shall think more on it," Kartik promised and soon they had finished eating dinner. Ann and Virgil began to clean when Felicity and Isabelle went into the other room. Music began to play in the living room with the Christmas tree and stockings over the fireplace. When Gemma walked into the room she saw Felicity twirling Isabelle in a small circle to the song.

"Want to dance?" Kartik breathed into her ear, tingling nerves down to her feet with his warm breath. She looked back at him and smiled, his arms were already draped around her waist. The song was upbeat and joyful so he sent her in a vibrant twirl away from him with their hands still attached. Together they jumped and giggled with Isabelle and Felicity soon following suit. Wine and joy fevered the space as everyone began to breathe heavily. Even Kartik could not help laughing as Gemma jumped about tapping her feet. During his laugh Ann and Virgil came in, finally finished with washing and both looked slightly red in the face although no one really noticed.

For some time the group of friends bound around the room like children with the beat of the music. At last they became tired, but with a boisterous voice Felicity demanded, slightly drunk at the time with laughter breaking her sentence, that they listen to one more song. She placed a new disc on the record player and put the needle gently on it. A slow, steady song began with a beautiful voice singing of wanting. A slight gasp revealed Ann gaping at Felicity and Gemma looked at Felicity who smiled. It seems this was one of Ann's songs.

"Wow, Ann. This is a really great song," Gemma said and Ann could only blush with a happy nod.

"Thank you."

"Come now! This is the la-st dance," Felicity said with a large smirk, before going to Isabelle and holding her close. It was a slow dance, with Felicity turning Isabelle around only a slight distance from her. Virgil looked at Ann at the same time she did and held out his hand which she took eagerly.

Gemma blushed furiously as Kartik wrapped his arm around her, tucking her neatly against him so she could feel his chest against her own. His other hand held hers and he let his lower hand rest against the small of her back. She closed her eyes, remembering that moment long ago…just like this one. Her breath hitched when he leaned close to blow against her eyelids. She opened them and he smiled, white teeth shining between those full lips. He kissed her, strong and soft all in one. Without resistance she kissed him back, pushing lightly. Then they began the dance, circling slowly and she gradually bent her head to rest on his shoulder. Just as the song ended Gemma kissed his throat and with a devious mind nipped gently beneath his ear. Kartik tensed, looking down at her surprised and she blushed, burying her face into the crook of his neck. He managed to hold her tighter and moved both hands to her back, with her one hand landing on his chest.

Now the song was over Ann excused herself for bed and Virgil went to extinguish the candles. Isabelle left for bed and Felicity followed after putting the record back, giving Gemma a devilish grin. Together they stood for a moment before Kartik smiled down at the quiet redhead who returned the smile. Then with a gentle tug he led her to their bedroom, both their hearts beating furiously.

After so many nights of talking they had barely energy to talk, but he knew of her father's death and brother's detachment. He knew of her college friend and the various people she took classes with. He had listened for he did not have many stories besides his attempts to console her while in the Tree of Souls.

Inside the room both became quiet for a moment as Kartik blew out a few candles before adding some more kindle to the fire. A red, warm glow filled the room just as their desire filled the room with an inner heat. Kartik stood from the fireplace, turning to her as she stood with a timid smile. She looked vulnerable and utterly heartbreaking staring at him with so much hope and…love…he was sure it was love.

"You're beautiful," he said, staring at her.

"And you're handsome," she remarked with a tease, taking pride in his comment. He smiled again before stepping closer to her, with just a few inches between them. His lovely brown gaze was intensely placed on her own green eyes. Her smile vanished as he continued to stare and her chest rose with anticipation. She closed her eyes as he bent towards her neck, waiting for the kiss, touch, bite…whichever. Breath still erratically rose within her as she awaited his touch. Gemma could smell burnt wood and a slight spice emanating from him as he drew near. She wanted to taste him.

"I love you and I promise to always stay," he said, his voice heavy with the weight of his promise and love he found hard to express completely as if his heart was trying to escape through his throat and could not. Gemma stopped thinking for a split moment. They had spoken of love, but it was amazing because now…now nothing kept them apart. Tears glistened in her vibrant eyes as she stepped back. Kartik took a step forward and she stopped him with her hand on his chest. She signaled him to wait and took a breath.

"I love you too," she said with her voice thick as well, tears welling in her eyes. Kartik's eyes glistened slightly in the darkness. Once again he moved, but she told him to wait a moment and he looked confused until she began to undo her gown.

It took a few minutes before she managed to pull it down herself, scooting out. As she removed her short heels she looked up to meet his transfixed gaze, his eyes were both large and dilated. Inside she could only smile ecstatically from the early Christmas present Felicity gave her. It was a light brown corset with pink ribbons tightening it and a light brown skirt attached to light stockings with similar pink ribbons. There was also her light pink underwear beneath the slight skirt. Now it was easy to see her chest heaving with each nervous breath. This time she waited for him to move, but he only stared before looking up at her eyes with a smile of his own, taking off his tuxedo. While he removed his trousers she stared at his tanned skin, like bronze in the candle light. He had lost weight, but was not as gaunt as she feared perhaps only a bit of weight. Muscles lightly rippled as he moved in motion and after gazing over his body she stared at his swift hands. Kartik then stood, with only his own underwear.

He gave her little time to stare before crossing the distance and grasping her tightly. One hand gripped her hip and the other pushed against her spine, crushing him to her as she placed both hands on his face, kissing him at first with quick pecks before joining in deep, open kisses. At first they took turns venturing into each others mouth before finally giving into both tongues caressing each other while their pelvises ground deliciously. Their chests rose fast and heaving with breath, constantly brushing against each other. One hand at her hip moved up, squeezed between their bodies to grasp one corseted breast. She moaned deeply, the sound vibrating between their mouths.

He barely managed to pull her to the plush bed, their eyes heatedly staring at each other with the firelight making everything dazed and hotter. His erection had been blatant since he had removed the trousers, but he did not stop his attentions to her and enjoyed the various touches. After another kissing bout with both deeply moaning he straddled her hips, looking down at her.

Gleaming green eyes stared at him from beneath heavy lids as if even her eyelids were becoming seduced. Her red lips were shining and plump from the kisses as she breathed in and out. Kartik bent down and kissed her throat, opening his mouth with the tip of his tongue lightly touching her as he trailed down to her clavicles to taste that dip between them until finally he stopped at the bulge of her corset. Looking up with utter deviance he gazed at her totally focused eyes as he undid the ribbons. Slip by slip the corset fell apart and her chest raised higher, one kiss replacing each ribbon. When the corset fell to the bed he leaned down, resting his stomach against her groin as he lightly touched her breasts with his hands. She squirmed from her senses as he rubbed them before flicking one lightly.

"…hu….Kartik," she moaned, reaching down to touch him, grasping his hands as they made motions over her breasts after he moved the corset off the bed. In a sudden decision he moved up, locking his lips around one breast and licking. This time she cried out in the rush of fabric against her sensitive groin and his licking. Next he started to suck slowly when she moved her hands to his lovely black hair, twisting the curls in her fingers as she squirmed.

"Please, would you…use your teeth," she asked, and he looked up again in surprise. Her teeth bit her bottom lip nervously…it was something she had desired, but was afraid it would seem odd. Within a second he placed his lips on the other neglected breast and began his eager ministrations. She feared he wasn't going to do as she had asked…then she felt the light nips on her breast…her eyes fluttered close. Her fingers tightened on his head while his own hands explored her curves and planes, running to the slight bump above where one's uterus might be and dipping beneath the skirt, beneath the underwear…

"…kartik…?" she said quietly, feeling the slight invasion of one finger. She was tensing; this was a strange feeling for her and he felt her tighten. He moved up more to begin kissing her, distracting her before he swiveled his finger. Her head bumped his as she cried out lightly, bringing her chin to her chest and he followed, craning his neck for the rough kisses. Small cries accompanied each flick of his fingers inside, the volume increasing as he inserted another finger…and another…

Sweat lightly began on her forehead as he also began to sweat, moving his lips back to her breasts. This time, her hands did not lightly twist in his hair, but kneaded his shoulders. During one brush of his teeth against her nipple he flicked his thumb against that hard nub…the one that made her really cry out. Her hips bucked wildly as her nails dug into his beautiful skin. As she climbed to her peak he climbed over her body, craning his body so his lips could reach her ear.

"Say my name again," he cooed, his member bumping against her thigh. She whimpered in pleasure as he rubbed and thrust with his hands.

"…kartik…"

"Again," he rubbed harder, feeling her tense.

"Kartik," she cried out, feeling intense pressure building and building.

"…again…," he whispered and focused entirely on that little nub.

"Kartik!" she cried out loudly, shaking and trembling as her fluids poured over his fingers, soaking the underwear. She quivered as he cascaded light kisses and soft touches over her body while using his hands to pull down that little skirt, those bare stockings, and that stained underwear. He rubbed her back to warmth, his own need throbbing now and in urgent desire. Before moving atop again he stopped to lap at her red curls moist now at the juncture of her thighs. Her sigh turned to a moan.

God, this was…was exquisite. These feelings of exotic bliss and utter release, as if lovemaking was greater than any feat or magic she could ever hold. She wanted to cry in joy and smiled as Kartik rose from between her legs. Standing up he removed his underwear revealing the part that made him a man. It rose up and swollen, her fear increasing as she gauged the size, big with veins pulsing. He moved her legs over his own as he moved up, resting his forearms on either side of her arms as her hands gripped just past his ribs over his back.

"Are you sure?" Kartik asked, careful to just barely touch his manhood to her womanhood. His brown eyes hid the depth of his need and looked lovingly at her, reassuring her they could stop now. "It will hurt."

"I…I know…but it gets better I heard," Gemma said trying to be strong. She wanted this, and feared it all the same. "Please, just go slow." He nodded and kissed her, feeling her hard nipples brush against him and he bit her lip hard. At that same moment he made his first thrust inside. Her moan turned into a slight cry of pain and he waited. Kartik saw her brow scrunch together. Then she slowly relaxed as he drowned her sweating body in kisses, biting and licking alternately. She tapped his back and he looked up to see her nod and he thrust deeper, she didn't cry but did tighten her lips. With his next thrust he felt the barrier and she tightened her lips again.

For the next few moments he used both hands and mouth to lather her in his touch, relishing in the ease of tension from her muscles and a slight moan that escaped her now open lips. Preparing, he engulfed her left breast with his mouth and bit hard, probably leaving imprints on the whites of her breast and during that distraction thrust past the barrier. He felt a rush of liquid, the blood. She cried out in great pain and he removed himself. Tears leaked from her eyes and he placed trembling hands on her face to give soft, butterfly kisses.

"Gemma?" he asked, with worry in his voice. Damn this pain he put her through. "Gemma?"

"Please, just a bit more? I have heard that the only way to be rid of the pain is to keep going. Our next two times might still be painful for me," she said. "Just a bit more, Kartik? Please?" Gemma begged as he looked with great worry. He almost said no, but the look in her eyes made him nod as he placed that painful part of himself back inside her. Sadly enough, the blood made passage easier this time. A slight moan even erupted from her throat which surprised both and Kartik nearly came at the feeling of it pulsing through her core. Just past where the barrier used to be still caused her great pain and he still had some of himself outside of her. He stopped with what was already there and gently pulled and pushed, hearing her sigh. Trying to assist in relieving her pain he moved one hand back down, to devote strokes to her wet nub, rubbing it like a fine pearl. Her tight muscles squeezed him greatly and when she came the second time, releasing more juices he thrust deeper, harder.

This time both came with a loud roar from him and a hoarse scream from her, his thrust bringing both over the edge in nothing but great pleasure. Sweaty and tired, he rolled off, but held her close as he did so. Red curls draped her face like a wet vine and he kissed her full lips as she slowly drifted to sleep. When her snores came he stood, ignoring his new erection as he cleaned up the dirty sheets, not wanting her to wake up to sticky blood. Once the snores became loud he wiped lightly at the still wet curls below with a wet rag, gentle to her sensitive parts. He threw that rag in the fire and she woke to see him standing there. Drowsy, she sat up and he ignored his desire to bed her again when she smiled at him.

He leapt into bed and pulled the green covers over them both, wrapping his arm over her waist as she slept soundly again. Curling his hard body to her soft, forgiving curves he smiled. This was how it should be and would always be. He would make sure of it and would make sure in the future her pleasure would match his.

IMPORTANT! There will be an epilogue. Not sure if I will update really soon again, but there will be an epilogue.

P.S. I tried to make a good lemon, hope you liked some of it. I admit I have no such knowledge how everything really goes, but I hear it's not all flowers and roses so I wanted to be somewhat realistic in this portrayal. And I'm sorry if it turns out to be bad lemon. Thank you. Also, I intend to have a good ol' romp for Kartik and Gemma in the epilogue…when she's not so sore.