Page 19

The dinner table was ablaze with warmth and laughter, accompanied by the occasional clinking of silverware. My family and Erik's sat together in what was supposed to be a celebration of joy.

The air was charged with the soft hum of conversations as the sweet aroma of several delicacies wafted through the air. The chandelier lights cast a warm glow over the elegant setting, highlighting the smiley faces and gentle laughs of our families and close relations.

I sat in silence, hands clasped together in my lap, a forced smile twitching at the corners of my lips. My gaze shifted across the dinner table, where each person’s grins and chuckles felt like mockery to me.

My heart was shattered into a million tiny pieces, and there was absolutely nothing that I could do about it. It took every ounce of strength in me to remain glued to my seat and not leave to cry my eyes out.

Erik had announced that we were expecting a baby, and that was the reason for this “celebration.” His announcement had sparked a flurry of congratulations and celebratory toasts. Dad was super excited, his eyes shining with mirth as he smiled at me from across the table.

Of course, he was excited. This baby would somehow strengthen the alliance and the family business. That was all he truly cared about anyway: the business, the empire he had built. Maybe part of him was indeed happy to be a grandfather. But that didn't change the fact that he was also pleased because the alliance with the Tarasov family would be more solid with the arrival of a child.

Once again, I was the sacrificial lamb. How much would I have to sacrifice for a family that didn't even deem me worthy? How devastated would my life have to become before they would be satisfied?

I felt my tear glands charging up, but I wouldn't let them pour. No. Not now. My teeth gritted discreetly, and I blinked my eyes, pushing the tears back inside.

Zoya's fingertips touched my lap with subtle motion, and I shifted my gaze to the beautiful girl by my side. I retained my smile as we locked eyes, hers boring into mine with a glint of concern flashing in their depths.

She shot a quick glance around the table as if to make sure no one else was paying attention to us. Zoya met my gaze again, and her voice dropped to a low whisper. “Are you okay?”

Her words struck me harder than I expected, and nothing could have prepared me for her questioning. I believed she wanted to tell me something or inquire about my brother, with whom she had been engrossed in conversation since dinner began.

The chemistry between my brother and Zoya was undeniable. It was so palpable that even the blind could sense it. I knew for a fact that if they continued on this path, they wouldn't have to worry about a failed marriage.

Honestly, a part of me envied what they had. The duo had clicked like two plates of steel pulled together by a magnetic force from the first day they met. I hadn't seen my brother as happy as he was when around her. It was like she somehow brought out the best in him, and the two of them were always smiling at each other.

Every so often, when chatting with other family members, they would exchange hidden glances and smiles with one another.

What did they know about a successful relationship that my husband and I didn't? Well, I guess Zoya felt the way she did because she clearly already liked my brother and was on board with the plan to get them married in two years.

Perhaps if I had been into this, things might have turned out differently. But my story was entirely different from Zoya's. She was fortunate in love; I wasn’t.

But the most surprising thing was that amidst her own bliss, she was able to sense my unease. And now, I just stared at her, my lips trembling at the weight of my situation.

“You don't look okay,” she added, her palm gentle and consoling as she touched my lap, her gaze unwavering. “Is everything alright?”

My heart raced in my chest, my tear glands charged and ready to stream down my cheeks. But I wouldn't let them fall.

I clenched my jaw, struggling to hold them back inside, and at the same time, my lips curled into a broader smile. “Everything's fine, Zoya.” I placed my palm on hers, managing to hold her gaze.

“Are you sure?” she insisted, her eyes staring like she was trying to study my countenance.

“Yes, I'm sure.” I chuckled, my expression soft as I gave her fingers a gentle squeeze.

She didn't seem convinced. Her head tilted sideways, and her eyes still squinted as suspicion etched its way onto her face.

However, I wouldn’t let her see through me. For a child her age, she sure was an observant one, and I couldn't deny that her care and affection melted my heart.

“Okay,” she said, finally deciding to let go. A radiant smile spread across her face, and she refocused her attention on her future husband.

As my gaze left Zoya's, it settled on Ravyn, sitting beside her husband, Lev, across from me. It appeared that she'd been watching our little conversation. In silence, she stared at me, trying to figure me out. Ravyn could tell that I wasn't entirely happy with the situation, but she didn't say anything—she just observed.

Her words of encouragement from the other night still lingered on the fringes of my mind. How ironic that Erik and I had our first fight immediately after she said not to worry, that he wasn't as bad as I thought he was. A huge part of me wanted to believe her words—that everything would work out fine in the end. But it didn't look like that to me.

My life was falling apart in front of me, and nobody at the table seemed to notice, except for these two lovelies—Zoya and Ravyn.

Why was the coming of this baby so sudden? It came so soon, and I was yet to figure my life out. Children were meant to bring joy and happiness to their parents, but sadly, those emotions were strangers to me at the moment. I hated myself for thinking the baby in my womb was a mistake—a costly one. But in my defense, it wasn't the baby; it was the timeframe that bothered me so much.

How could I possibly raise a child in an unhappy home? Erik was of the opinion that his child wouldn't experience the pain of a broken home. But which was worse: a broken home with both parents divorced or a broken home with both parents together but emotionally apart?

This whole thing was a big mistake—the marriage itself. Maybe I should have just damned it all and said no. What's the worst thing that would have happened to me? Dad would have probably disowned me. But at least then, I'd have been in control of how my life would turn out.

There was no use crying over spilled milk. This was my reality now—it sucked. But it was my reality, my life.

“Tessa, sweetheart,” Mom's voice snapped me out of my thoughts, her Spanish accent adding a touch of originality to her speech. “We’re all so happy for you and your husband. This baby is a blessing, si ?” Her face lit up with a bright smile.

I could feel the stares of literally everyone at the table, their anticipation brewing by the second. I stole a glance at Erik, our eyes locking for a fleeting moment before returning my gaze to Mom. “ Si , Mama. Thank you.” I managed to muster up another plastic smile.

“You're going to make such an amazing mother,” Dad chipped in, touching a napkin to his mouth. “I'm sure of that.” He beamed at me, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

“Yeah, she's gonna be a pro at changing diapers in no time,” my brother Liam teased, his voice light and jovial.

A scattered laugh rose from amongst the others, tones laced with joy and bliss. But soon, their happiness started to fade into the distance as my mind gradually drifted away. I could see their lips moving, but I couldn't hear their words.

It felt like I was trapped in a room where everyone else was moving in a different rhythm while I was stuck in slow motion. I'd barely touched my food, and my stomach was twisting with nausea and anxiety.

Honestly, I was the odd one out in this gathering, feeling completely out of place. It felt like the evening stretched on forever, and all I wanted was for it to come to an end. I wasn't sure how much longer I could keep up with the pretense.

Mentally, emotionally, and physically, I was so exhausted. My body was present at the table, but my mind was not.

Erik, on the other hand, was fully engulfed in the happenings at the table. He seemed rather excited, talking and laughing with his family, seemingly oblivious to my struggles.

I sat in silence, counting the minutes until the guests left. With each passing second, my patience grew thinner and thinner, and all I wanted was some time to myself.

At last, the evening was over.

Erik and I bade farewell to get guests, with me barely holding up my plastic smile.

“Be good,” Mom said, her voice soft and smooth as her arms wrapped around me in a warm embrace.

I struggled to beam a faint grin, my head nodding in mock affirmation.

Ravyn was the last to hug me, her smile broad and genuine. “Don't lose hope yet. It'll all make sense soon,” she whispered in my ear.

Her words seemed impossible, but maybe I'd have to trust the process.

But for now, I just needed some space to breathe.

By the time everyone else had left, Erik shut the door behind the last guest and turned to face me. From the head of the steps, I held his gaze for a fleeting moment, a flutter rising in my chest.

His expression softened ever so slightly, and his eyes never left mine. I could sense his willingness to engage me in a conversation, but his hesitation was palpable. My heart raced in my chest, and I was unsure whether I was ready to listen to him now.

Despite my anger, I couldn't deny how charming and dashing he looked in his impeccably tailored ash-colored suit. As usual, his hair was neatly styled, with every strand in place. In his sharp green eyes was a faint glint of something that resembled passion.

The staring contest went on, my heart hammering with each passing minute. A flame of desire ignited within me, but I was quick to blow out that fire. I couldn't let him see how much effect his gaze had on me.

I blinked, breaking eye contact and shoving aside the illicit thoughts creeping into my mind. Without a word, I tore my gaze off him and headed to the guest room—my new fortress and comfort zone. Was it really those things, though? Because it sure felt more like a prison.

I waltzed into the room and collapsed on the unfamiliar bed, my head spinning and aching terribly. A deep sigh escaped my lips as my body released all that fatigue I'd been battling all day.

My fingers flew to massage my temples, the soothing motion easing me of stress.

Alone with my thoughts, I realized just how lonely I was and how emotionally abandoned I felt. While gazing at the ceiling, I let those tears flow I'd been holding back all day. My heart ached so much, and I wondered how much more of this pain I could hear until I finally broke.

This distance between Erik and I was killing me—it unsettled me more than I cared to admit. Who was I kidding?

I grabbed a pillow and pressed it against my chest. It was the closest thing to a physical touch that I could get anyway.

What would the coming of this child mean for Erik and me? How was I supposed to endure this life of pain and torment? How long would this distance between us linger for?

I sniffled, tightening my grip around the pillow, overwhelmed by a mix of sadness and fear. As I lay in silence, the emptiness of the room echoed my turmoil, hot tears streaming down my cheeks.

Chapter 20 – Erik

Today, I decided to stay home and relax—no work or work-related calls. Just me and my thoughts. A lot was going on in my mind, and I needed some time to plan and figure things out.

My marriage was barely three months, and everything was already falling apart right in front of me. Why? Because of a misunderstanding, neither of us had created the time or an atmosphere conducive enough to address the elephant in the room.

All day, myriad thoughts overlapped in my mind, keeping me busy and mentally stressed. I hadn't done anything meaningful other than think of this really stubborn woman.

Tessa’s secret meeting with Connor, her defiance, and her ability to hold a fucking grudge for so long had my brain in a tangled mess. I couldn't comprehend her stubbornness, and thinking about it only fueled my rage.

Yesterday, she was absent-minded almost the entire time at the dinner table. It was embarrassing, and I had to fill the void her nonchalance had created. My brother, Lev, and his wife, Ravyn, had both noticed my wife's behavior, but neither of them said anything.

Did she really hate me that much? Did she despise the child in her belly so much that the pregnancy brought her no joy at all?

A mix of emotions flooded my mind, keeping me frustrated and angry at the same fucking time. Why was this so goddamn difficult? Why did I feel so useless and powerless in such a petty situation?

I'd dealt with worse problems with little effort and faced off against men twice as hardened and dangerous as me. But none of those scenarios had bothered me the way that this one did.

It was like I had no control over the situation, and I hated it—I hated the feeling of not being able to solve my own problems. Nothing had ever had me so riled up before, and it was concerning.

I'd grown so attached to Tessa that she now had the power to control and manipulate my mood even without intending to. No one had made me feel this way before. No one. It felt like I was becoming too soft on her, but I couldn't help it; she'd snaked her way into my heart.

However, beneath my anger, something else lingered—seeming to pull me to her like a moth to a flame. Worry.

I tried to dwell on my rage and frustrations only, but I couldn't easily shake off this feeling of worry. It gnawed at my mind, urging and challenging me to be a man and reach out. Why would I do that? I'd tried that twice already, and it didn't end well. Why go again a third time?

Third time's the charm.

The struggle within me went on for hours, my manly pride fighting against that voice urging me to reach out.

I hadn't seen her today, which was weird because despite not being on speaking terms, I'd often run into her at some point during the day. Today was different. I hadn't even caught a glimpse of her.

She didn't come down for breakfast, and no one else in the house saw her having lunch. Just because I was mad at her didn't mean I shouldn't care about her safety, especially now that she was pregnant with my child.

Finally, that voice of reason triumphed over my manly pride, and I saw the need to make sure she was okay, at least.

I rose off the sofa in my bedroom and headed out, damning the consequences of my decision. It didn't matter how she'd react if she saw me; I just wanted to know that she was fine.

My footsteps were silent on the floor as I waltzed into the guest room, my heart racing with anticipation. I shouldn't feel this way, but this was what my affection for her had reduced me to.

I halted in front of her door, my knuckles hanging in the air as I hesitated for a moment. It would piss me off if her actions made me regret coming over. I'd swallowed my pride to be here, so she better make it worth it—her energy better be receptive.

I knocked on the door a few times but got no response. My face twisted into a faint scowl, my brows furrowing to create creases between them. Did she know I was outside and was deliberately ignoring me?

I knocked again.

Still no answer.

My scowl deepened, my rage gradually creeping back inside because I knew she was in there. Why wasn't she answering?

Then it hit me, and my heart skipped a beat, my breath lodging in my throat as I pushed the door open. In my head, I'd thought the worst already.

Did she harm herself? Did she choose death over being my wife?

My eyes widened at the sight of her lying on the bed, still in the same dress from yesterday. I quickened my pace into the room, squinting as I studied her form for signs of life. Her chest rose and fell slowly, her expression soft and peaceful as she slept.

A quiet sigh of relief escaped my lips as I realized that I'd panicked for no reason. She was fine. Fast asleep but fine.

My gaze swept across her form—pale and fragile as she lay on her side, her arms around a pillow. Her body shuddered slightly at the cold that enveloped the room. The air conditioner was on, and it seemed too much for her body to handle.

Tessa was barely covered with a thin blanket, her quivering lips murmuring incoherent words as if in a feverish dream. This was no place for her, and it was a good thing I came around when I did.

I scooped her up in my arms, her body feeling far too light, her skin alarmingly cool to touch. How could I have left her like this just to feed my manly pride? Guilt gnawed at me, creating a pit in my stomach.

In my arms, she let out a soft sigh, signaling her comfort as she slept. My gaze fell to her face—cute and beautiful—and a small smile played at the corners of my lips as I left her room.

As I stepped out the door, I met one of the maids gliding through the hallway. She paused in her tracks and greeted me with a polite grin, her head slightly bowed in reverence.

“Hurry, bring some food to the master bedroom,” I instructed her, my voice calm but laced with urgency.

“Yes, sir,” she replied and took off immediately, her flats pounding against the floor.

I returned my wife to our bedroom—it was high time I did that anyway—and cautiously lowered her on the bed. Sitting on the edge of the mattress, my fingers grasped the hem of the blanket, draping the thick fabric over her body to keep her warm.

Soon enough, her lips stopped trembling, and her body stopped shivering as she lay snuggled up under the covers. I watched her lie in bed like Sleeping Beauty, her face toward the ceiling. My hand flew to her hair in an instant, pushing some loose strands behind her ear.

How could I have let my pride get in the way of doing the right thing? What if my anger and negligence had resulted in something more catastrophic?

The thing was, though, she was fine.

My God! What a beautiful woman!

I didn't realize how much I missed her until now, and I couldn't bring myself to look away from her. My fingers caressed her skin, my mind spinning with how much I needed her in my life.

After our first night together, I knew that Tessa was the one for me; she was the woman with whom I wanted to spend the rest of my life. Screw the agreement we had about going our separate ways after two years. I couldn't do that, and I wouldn't. Why would I let a good woman, a rare gem, walk out of my life? No. I'd rather have her to myself as my wife.

The truth was, as annoying and pesky as she could be, a part of me still wanted her regardless. I wanted her in my life because, honestly, she made me feel complete and fulfilled. She was the better part of me, the part that triggered my humanity and shed a light in my darkness.

These past few days had shown me what my life would be like without her in it: empty.

I'd always been comfortable staying alone and never had a problem with that. In fact, I used to love the solitude that came with it: the silence, the peace and quiet. However, this distance between us made me realize that I was no longer the man I used to be. I'd grown so attached to my wife that I felt alone and abandoned in her absence.

How did she manage to turn on my emotional switch? What about her drew me in? The feeling of being attached to someone else was alien to me, and I had no clue how to handle it.

The knock on the door snapped me out of my thoughts, and I turned toward the entrance. “Come in. It's open,” I said, my words audible but low enough not to disturb my wife's sleep.

The door opened, and the maid walked in with a tray of food, its delicious aroma enveloping the room's atmosphere.

I nodded toward the bedside table, and she walked over to set the tray on the surface.

“Thank you, Penelope,” I said, my voice laced with sincere gratitude.

She'd brought the food much quicker than I had thought, and I found that rather impressive.

She straightened, her lips curling into a faint smile as she gave a polite nod before exiting the room. The door closed softly behind her as she disappeared.

I swiped a palm across my face, my eyes pinned on Tessa. A flutter swelled up within my chest as I watched her sleep. So beautiful. So peaceful.

A slight groan escaped her lips, her eyes fluttering open as she came to. “Erik?” she mumbled, her voice weak and faint.

I rose to my feet and picked the tray from the bedside table and towering over her, I instructed, “Sit up.”

She raised her head and met my gaze, her throat wobbling at the sight of the food in my hands. I was almost certain that the tantalizing aroma teased her senses and made her mouth water.

Tessa obeyed after a moment of hesitation, and I thought I heard her stomach growl in anticipation. The bed crunched beneath her weight as she sat up with her back against the headboard.

I set the tray on her lap and sat on the edge of the bed, watching her. “Eat,” I said, my voice firm but surprisingly gentle.

Tessa blinked, but she didn't break eye contact, her fingers plucking a grape from the fruit section on the tray. She pushed it into her mouth with a slow, fluid motion and chewed gracefully.

As she ate, I watched her in silence even though I could tell she wasn't comfortable with my stare. But I didn't care. I needed to make sure that she was well-fed and properly hydrated.

“How do you feel now?” I asked, my voice deep and husky.

She drank from a glass of water, gulping down the entire content. “Better. Much better. Thank you.” Her expression softened slightly, and on her lips was something that resembled a smile.

For the next few seconds, it was silent between us until….

“We need to talk,” we said in unison, matching each other's tones.

A faint grin flashed across her face, and I could feel my lips twitching at the corners in an attempt to suppress mine.

“You first,” I said, my voice gentle, my expression soft.

She heaved a sigh, pushing her hair to the back of her ear. “I shouldn't have met with Connor,” she began, her eyes never leaving mine. “That was a dumb move. But in my defense, I just needed someone to hear me vent. I just needed a friend to talk to.”

I was quiet, watching, listening, and observing.

“Seeing you with that woman—her hands all over your chest…. It hurt me more than you know,” she continued, her soft voice dripping with pain and bitterness. “Especially because it happened soon after we had sex.” Her misty eyes bore into mine, her tone cracking under the weight of her hurt. “I thought we shared something special that night. I thought we connected in more ways than one. That's why I felt used and betrayed when I saw you with another woman.”

I drew closer, holding her gaze. “I know how it looked, Tessa. But I can assure you that you misunderstood the situation.”

“Then make me understand,” she urged, blinking back the tears that welled her eyes. “I'm ready to listen.”

I let out a sharp exhale and began, “Her name is Jennifer, and she's someone I used to date. She dropped by, and what you saw that day was an attempt to seduce me.” I paused, letting the words sink in for a moment before continuing. “But rest assured, she did not succeed. It was quite unfortunate that you walked in at the wrong time. Nothing happened that day,” I explained, my tone laced with conviction, hoping she'd understand and believe me.

Her gaze dropped to the tray on her lap, and a fleeting moment later, she met my eyes again. “So…you didn't have sex with her?”

That was the defining meaning of “nothing happened,” but she clearly needed reassurance.

“No, I didn't,” I said, my eyes fixed on her. “You might find it interesting to know that I haven't been with another woman since we got married.”

Her lips pursed, suppressing a grin. “Why haven't you?” she asked, staring into my eyes as if searching for any sign of insincerity. “You can have any woman you want. Why stick with me?”

“Because you're my wife, and you're the only woman that occupies my mind all day, every day,” came my response, swift and fluid. “Ironic how you're also the one woman I can't seem to have with ease,” I added, watching her cheeks flush. “You’re stubborn, headstrong, defiant, the most difficult to tame, and so exasperatingly difficult to handle.”

An abrupt chuckle came forth, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “Wow! I didn't realize I was such a handful.”

“You're also amazing,” I said without breaking eye contact, my voice smooth and endearing. “Beautiful, ambitious….” My eyes roamed her body, drinking in her curves. “And ridiculously attractive.” I met her eyes again.

Her breath caught in her throat, a wide grin spreading across her face as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Is this a trick to melt my heart?” she asked, her voice barely rising above a whisper.

“Sadly, it's not,” I replied, my hand daring to touch her thigh and slowly slide under the hem of her dress.

She locked eyes with me, her body shaking slightly, her chest rising and falling with slow, controlled breaths.

The atmosphere switched to something more intense, charging the air with a mix of tension and desire. I could almost hear her heart hammering in her chest as we held each other's gazes, feeling the electricity surging through us.

A flame ignited within me, fueling my hunger as I thought about all the things that I'd do to her in bed. Her full lips—sexy and enticing—seemed to be calling out to me. Her voluptuous curves, nestled behind the fabric of her gown, pulled me in. I was tempted to grab and squeeze those breasts, suck them with the knowledge that they were mine and mine alone.

The steady heaving of her chest and the glint of desire flickering in her gaze was a clear indication that she was just as horny as I was. Her body shuddered at my touch, her fingers discreetly grasping the sheets as we looked into each other's eyes.

This sexual tension between us was building by the minute, the sexual flame threatening to consume us both.

I felt my own heart racing in my chest as I struggled to hold myself back, refraining my hand from traveling to her pussy. I was almost certain that she was already wet down there, and I wanted to finger her so badly. But I held back my hand.

I didn't want to seem or appear desperate. But the honest truth was that I was in desperate need of her. I wanted her—I craved her whole body, her mind, and her attention. I wanted her pussy to swallow me completely.

It had been far too long since we made love, and every fiber of my being was calling out to her. A cold shiver ran down my spine, and at the same time, a heat wave spread across my body. I was both hot and cold, my shaft swelling in my pants.

Her eyes dropped to my groin, and her brows rose subtly at the sight of my cock's print beneath my pants. She swallowed, her throat wobbling as she returned her eyes to face me. “Could you give me a minute, please?” she asked, her voice trembling under the weight of the passion coursing through her veins. “Let me freshen up first.”

First? I wondered, analyzing the meaning embedded in that word. However, I didn't need to be a witch to know that I was definitely getting laid tonight. At last.

Tessa was turned on, and she wanted me as much as I wanted her. It was clear as day in her eyes.

“Alright,” I said, my voice a deep, husky whisper.

We stared at each other for a moment longer, her breathing becoming more and more difficult to catch. If I pressed on, we'd get right to it immediately, considering the intensity of the electric spark jolting through our bodies.

But I'd rather respect her wishes. So, I withdrew, although my eyes didn't.

Her lips curled into a faint grin as I helped pick the tray off her lap and set it back on the bedside table.

“Thank you,” she muttered, her expression so soft and endearing.

I gave a gentle nod, watching her rise from the bed. As she sashayed her way to the bathroom, her legs crossed elegantly—one in front of the other—like a model on a runway. She stopped by the bathroom door and shot a quick, seductive glance over her shoulder.

My eyebrows arched, and my pulse quickened as I watched her tug down the sleeves of her dress. Her hand flew to her back, and with a fluid motion, she pulled down her zipper. The precision was incredible.

I traced the zipper's downward movement, stroking my jaw with a smirk twitching on the corner of my lips. As the zipper parted the fabric of her dress, her bare skin and the fine, intricate tattoo along her spine came into view.

The dress dropped to the floor, welling at her feet, and again, she shot another glance over her shoulder.

My throat wobbled subtly as I swallowed, mesmerized by the pleasant sight of that ass, that moderately sized ass. Her skin, once pale, now seemed glossy, and she hadn't even showered yet.

Tessa lifted one leg from the pool of her dress, and soon, the other followed as she walked into the bathroom.

My heart was racing with anticipation, my blood boiling with this intense desire coursing through me. I'd been sex-starved for what seemed like an eternity, and now I had this insatiable hunger that fueled my desire.

I could hear the sound of the water running, and it took everything in me to refrain from joining her in the shower. What a great time we'd have together in there!

Thinking about it made my cock grow harder, and I could feel my impatience rising. The rush of adrenaline boosted my yearning for her, and I paced back and forth, counting the minutes until she got out.

Tessa definitely took her time getting ready. Even though my patience was beginning to wear thin, I was certain it would be worth the wait in the end.

I stood by the bed, leaning against one of the posts with arms across my chest, imagining the things I'd do to her with this hunger serving as a driving force.

The shower stopped running, and my heart paused for a moment. She was done. At last, I pinned my gaze on the bathroom door, and my brows arched ever so slightly as she emerged with a white towel wrapped around her, water droplets hitting the floor.

Her moist, dark hair clung to her skin, framing her face with a soft, sensual curve. The scent of shampoo and soap wafted around her—a clean, enticing aroma that drew my eyes and captured my attention. Her skin shone with a warm, golden light, as if infused with an inner radiance.

Tessa's seduction was on purpose, not to mention on point!

The towel around her slightly hung off her chest to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of her cleavage. The white fabric was short, so it barely concealed her fresh, alluring thighs.

My eyes roamed her body, drinking in the marvelous sight in front of me. I stood frozen, unable to tear my gaze off her. “Why are you torturing me?” I asked, a teasing smile spreading across my face.

Her lips curled into a sexy grin as she glided over to me. “I think the better question is….” She halted a few paces ahead, her voice calm and seductive. “Why are you torturing yourself?” Her fingers loosened the towel, letting it slide down her body in a slow, sensual reveal, her eyes never leaving mine.

I watched the fabric whisper against her soft, smooth skin as it dropped to the floor, exposing her naked body.

“Oops!” came the dramatic expression with a sly grin on her enticing lips.

Her voluptuous curves stared at me, holding my gaze, and just like that, the beast in me snapped. Without a moment of hesitation, I launched at her, framing her face in my hands, my lips crashing against hers in a heated passion.

She kissed me back, her energy matching mine as we devoured each other's lips. Heads danced, and tongues twirled in our mouths as our arms wrapped around each other. Tessa's fingers rapidly unbuttoned my shirt while my palms squeezed her breasts. She pressed herself against me, feeling the hardness of my erection.

Tessa broke the steamy kiss, her eyes shining with desire. “You're so hard,” she whispered.

My hand flew to her pussy, her moisture draping over my middle finger. “And you're so fucking wet,” I said, pushing my finger deeper into her without breaking eye contact.

“You like?” she asked, moaning, biting her lower lip.

“I love,” I replied, reclaiming her lips.

Our kiss deepened with an intense fervency that left us both breathless. She took my shirt off, her hands roaming my torso as she pushed her tongue into my mouth. Her hands traveled down my groin, and she grasped my belt, pulling me to herself while retreating toward the wall behind her.

I pinned her back against the surface, my finger relentlessly sliding inside her as my lips continued to devour hers. Soon enough, I broke the kiss, lowering my head to take her breasts in my mouth, one at a time.

Her soft purrs fueled my desire as I sucked her breasts and fondled them, my teeth grazing against her hard nipples. With swift motion, I spun her around—her breasts against the wall.

Tessa moaned at the unexpected action, and her body flinched, wincing at the sweet pain that accompanied the slap on her butt cheeks. Her ass bounced at the strike, the impacted area slightly turning red. “Yes!” she moaned softly.

I did it again, fingers digging into her flesh as I squeezed her ass. She let out a teasing laugh, shooting her ass out, and again, I spanked it—harder this time.

I kissed her back, tongue tracing down the tattoo along her spine as I went on my knees, slapping her ass.

“What're you doing?” she asked, her body shuddering at the feeling of my tongue on my exit.

I couldn't exactly give a reply at the moment—my mouth was busy eating her salad.

“Oh, my God!” she moaned, her legs trembling subtly, her tone laced with sheer pleasure.

Her hand flew back to caress the back of my head with my face buried in her ass. Literally. “Fuck!” she whispered under her breath, moaning deliciously.

I slapped her ass, feeling her body flinch at the strike as I continued to eat. My hand glided down between her legs, and with my thumb, I rubbed her clit, my other fingers sliding up and down her wet entrance.

“Oh, God, yes!” she purred, her legs shaking like a leaf. “I don't know what you're doing, but I love it,” she confessed.

Again, I couldn't speak. I was too busy eating her salad while simultaneously fingering her slippery pussy.

Once done, I rose to my feet, and before I made another move, she spun around and claimed my lips in a hot kiss. I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her to myself, her breasts against my chest.

Tessa kissed me down the neck, through to my torso, as she went down on her knees. Her fingers unbuckled my belt, unzipped my pants, and pulled them down to my waist. She dug her hand into my boxers and withdrew my shaft, weighing it in her hand. “I almost forgot how heavy it is,” she said, looking up at my face, her voice soft and sweet.

I lowered my eyes and met her gaze, her hands stroking my length with her tongue twirling around my cap. A shiver ran down my spine, and before I'd come to terms with the feeling, her lips wrapped around my shaft.

She moved with precision—her head tilting in and out of my groin. The warmth of her mouth enveloped my cock as she sucked me nastily, her drool smearing over my length. She jerked her eyes, and as I gazed upon her, I felt our connection deepen. Her tongue danced with gentle strokes, sending shivers down my spine.

As her lips glided over my length, her head pushed in and out, and soft murmurs and gasps filled the air. Her moist, dark hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall as she worked on my shaft like a pro.

The air was electric with her moans, her eyes still locked to mine. “Mmm. Ahh.”

Overwhelmed by the urge to travel deep inside her, I reached down and raised her to her feet. With her back against the wall, I lifted her leg, and she grabbed my cock, sliding it into her pussy. “Ahhh,” she moaned as I pushed inside her, her pussy swallowing me whole.

With relentless strokes, I drove inside her slippery cunt, ramming her hard and fast like a starving beast. Her breasts bounced up and down in response to my vigorous thrusts.

She wrapped her arm around my neck and gazed deep into my eyes. The sexy look on her face sent sparks of electricity surging through my body. As her moans grew louder and louder, I sealed them with a kiss so fervent she could not resist.

My hands squeezed her breasts, traveled around her body, and traced her every curve, every contour. She groaned into my mouth, melting and surrendering at my touch. She broke the kiss and let out a moan so sweet that it shook me to my core. I kissed the nape of her neck, my arm holding one of her legs in the air.

She wrapped her arms around me as if seeking deeper contact as I continued to plunge harder and harder. “Yes, yes, yes, yes! Oh, my God, yes!” The words tumbled out of her mouth in an ecstatic rush.

Her expression, loose with pleasure, ignited my desire, fanning the flames burning within me.

“Go deeper. Deeper, please,” she begged, pleading with her misted eyes, her voice a low, sexy whisper.

With a thick grunt to hold back my urge to come, I did as my wife wanted, as she instructed. My thrusts dug deeper and deeper, my pace a little slower so she'd feel me inside her, so she'd feel the connection and the charge.

“Right there. Don't stop, baby, don't stop,” she moaned, writhing beneath me, her skin against mine, hands on my body.

Baby? Did she just call me baby?

Intentionally or unintentionally, it felt great that she called me that.

I reclaimed her lips, pushing my tongue into her mouth. My hand fondled her breast while driving into her.

Our bodies collided in the heat of passion, her skin gliding against mine as she moaned against my mouth.

I quickened my pace, my thrusts becoming more and more vigorous. A primal growl signaled my arrival, and I felt her grip around my body. She pressed my waist deeper inside her without breaking the kiss.

With a thick groan, my legs trembled from the overwhelming pleasure coursing through my veins as I plunged further into her pussy. I tore my lips off hers, slamming a palm against the wall while filling her up with my essence.

She enveloped me in her warm embrace, her pussy accepting my load with a smile on her face.

Exhausted, I released a sigh, my forehead resting on hers, our heavy breaths brushing against our skin. We locked eyes, my heart melting at the beautiful smile perched on her face.

I didn't realize how much I'd missed being intimate with her until now.

“That was amazing,” she whispered, her voice soft and sweet. “I want more. Can you gimme more?” she asked, eyes locked onto mine.

My lips curled into a smile as my hands framed her face. “I’ve still got a few more rounds in me.” I leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss against her lips.

Tonight, we would make love all night to make up for all those lost moments. And the good news was that we were both so hungry for each other.