Zina felt a sharp stab of guilt and shame pierce her heart as her mind was flooded with unwanted thoughts of her and Marcus. No matter how hard she tried to shove them away, the images kept coming back, crashing over her like a relentless tidal wave, leaving her in an emotional state of chaos and confusion. She was forced to face her inner conflict between loyalty to Derick and her own selfish desires, both waging an intense war inside her soul.
Her heart clench in her chest and her stomach tighten into a painful knot at the sight of him. Her heart raced as soon as she saw him, her stomach filling with a million fluttering butterflies that seemed to grow larger and more active by the moment. The intensity of her feelings for him driving her to the brink of madness. Her thoughts were consumed by him each day. She felt her pulse quicken with each passing day, an unbearable intensity coursing through her veins as she thought about him. His presence sent shockwaves through her every time, and she couldn’t help but imagine what it would feel like to be in his arms.
The situation only made things worse when Marcus asked if he could take Zina out for lunch one day without his son.
Marcus cleared his throat, “I was wondering… would you have time to join me for lunch today? I promise to make it worth your while.” He smiled warmly at Zina, a glint of mischief in his eyes.
Zina hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest as she desperately tried to come up with an excuse to decline the invitation. But before she could speak, Derick stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
“Go ahead, Zina, you should take my dad up on his offer. You guys should talk more often; I think you’ll find that you have more in common than you think.”
Taking a deep breath, Zina looked over at Derick and nodded slowly in agreement. Before long, the two of them were off to the restaurant for lunch and conversation.
Once there, they both spoke freely as they chatted about current events and personal stories from their pasts. His enthusiasm and insight was captivating and she couldn’t help but fall in deep feelings for him even as his words sent shivers down her spine.
“Do you love my son?” He suddenly asked.
Taken back by the sudden question, she stuttered “erhhm… yes, yes I do”
“Hmmm… We will know that with time,” giving Zina a wink with soft laughter.
Then he paused for a moment to take a sip of his drink before turning back to Zina with a twinkle in his eye and said;
“You know, when my son first told me about you I knew that meeting you would be so worth it. Do come to my place. It’s quite large and comfortable. I would love to have you around more.”
He suddenly seemed more like someone she had known for years instead of just a few days ago.
Zina blushed as she stammered out a response,
“Well… That’s very kind of you to say… It’s nice to get to know each other better.” She smiled shyly before taking a sip of her own drink.
The rest of their lunch flew by in comfortable silence until eventually it was time for them both to go.
***
Zina found her thoughts wandering off to this man all week long. It was deeply confusing and conflicting feelings surged through her veins like wildfire. Here was this man who radiated charm and charisma and she was drawn to the magnetic charm of her captor’s voice holding her captive in conversation yet a voice inside her head screamed for her to remember that this man was the father of the one she held so deeply in her heart.
The intense emotions bubbling beneath the surface had nowhere to go, leaving Zina feeling helpless and trapped.
With each passing day, the internal struggle between her and her desire for Marcus intensified, pressing like a weight upon her chest. Her body was a battlefield of carnal yearning and reluctance; she wanted so desperately to give into temptation, to feel wanted by this man, yet her fear of destroying her relationship with Derick held her back.
Every moment was a new battle of willpower and surrender as she fought to keep herself in check.
Having finally accepted the invitation to Marcus’ house, Zina found herself filled with a mix of excitement, anxiety and anticipation. She had never been in such a grand home before and couldn’t help but feel a little intimidated by the sheer size and opulence of it all.
As her feet crossed the threshold of the house, Zina was overcome with a mix of terror and awe. She had never encountered such wealth and magnificence before; The sprawling mansion stood tall and daunting against the horizon, the sheer size and lavishness of it making her feel incredibly small and insignificant. The house seemed to be a palace. She stepped into the grand entrance, the opulence of the interior almost too much to take in; ornate and immense, filled with lavish furnishings that sent tremors of wonder through her body. Her heart pounded from the sheer weight of anticipation.
Marcus ushered Zina into the grand house and began to show her around and introducing her to some of the staff. He pointed out the various works of art, expensive furniture, and other luxurious items that adorned the walls and floors. He then took her up to the second floor and showed off all of the bedrooms, including those of Derick’s two younger sisters who were both married. He spoke kindly and proudly about his children, clearly a devoted father in their eyes.
Afterwards food was set on the dining table and they both sat there discussing over a delicious meal. He asked Zina questions about what she thought of his home.
He then began to open up more to Zina about Derick-sharing both stories of his successes as well as his struggles in life. He asked her opinion on certain topics regarding Derick’s future plans and career choices which made Zina feel honored that he was so willing to trust and respect her opinion so much after knowing each other for only a short time.
Towards the end of the conversation Marcus looked into Zina’s eyes with a deep sincerity and said;
“Most times I feel so alone here. My wife died almost 6 years ago and since then it has been a tough time with virtually everything in my life.”
When he got no response from Zina, he continued.
“I have been through a lot these past few years but I believe that you could bring some stability into my life if you chose to be around more often.”
Zina blushed slightly feeling compelled by this man’s words yet taken aback by their meaning. She responded, “I really appreciate your words sir but…, I’m not sure what to say.”
Derick’s father chuckled lightly before patting her exposed thigh seductively.
Zina’s heart raced as Marcus leaned in closer to her, his hand resting on her thigh. She did not know how to respond and the heat of his touch was overwhelming.
His voice low and deep, he said, “no need to worry my dear beautiful girl! I can see your potential in being able to help father and son grow into great men… if you would!”