The night had struck eleven o’clock as Velia yawned for the umpteenth time. She set her phone on the nightstand and glanced at the door, wondering when Lucas would arrive.
Is he going to work late again tonight?
The thought crossed her mind as Velia remembered what happened after dinner. She wanted to accompany Lucas while he worked as usual, but he insisted that she rest in the bedroom.
Could it be that Lucas thinks I’m still menstruating and not feeling well?
It’s possible. Regardless of that possibility, Velia did as Lucas instructed. She rested in the bedroom after getting bored with watching television. She thought that keeping Lucas company while he worked would be enjoyable.
Velia decided to go and see Lucas. However, the bedroom door opened just as she was about to get out of bed.
“Luc! You finally came.”
Lucas’s arrival widened Velia’s eyes. The weariness and drowsiness that had clouded her face disappeared instantly.
Velia’s half-exclamatory tone made Lucas furrow his brow. He approached Velia on the bed and said, “You were waiting for me.”
Velia did not deny it. Instead, she nodded as Lucas reached out his arms. It seemed they would not be going to sleep anytime soon. At least they had a few minutes to enjoy sitting comfortably, leaning against the headboard.
“Is your work finished?” Velia asked.
“It is, although it took longer than I expected. Why?” Lucas replied.
“It’s nothing,” Velia shook her head, adjusting herself slightly to find a comfortable position in Lucas’s embrace. “I thought you might have fallen asleep in your office.”
Lucas chuckled, causing his body to shake slightly. “I couldn’t possibly fall asleep in my workspace while you’re in the bedroom.”
Lucas’s laughter increased when he noticed the blush on Velia’s face. Fortunately, it did not make Lucas forget the important matter.
“Ah, right! There’s something I want to tell you.”
Velia lifted her face. “What is it?”
Without answering immediately, Lucas took out his phone from his pants pocket. He swiped the screen while caressing Velia’s upper arm.
Velia rested her head comfortably on Lucas’s chest. Her gaze focused on Lucas’s phone, where he was opening the photo gallery and showing a few pictures.
“These are photos of the house I told you about the other day.”
Lucas’s words momentarily interrupted Velia’s comfort. Her body tensed up instantly, and Lucas noticed it, causing him to laugh softly.
“Don’t make any comments until you see all the photos,” he said.
Velia was taken aback. “Luc, ah!”
Velia’s shock made Lucas smile mischievously. His caresses paused momentarily, replaced by a fleeting playful grip.
“This house is rarely occupied. When I first saw it, the condition was truly pitiful.”
Lucas showed Velia the first photo, a front view of the house that looked dull with faded paint. The choice of words “truly pitiful” was not an exaggeration to describe the actual state.
The house had two floors, not overly grand by Lucas’s standards. It seemed ordinary, but it had a spacious surrounding garden. Towering trees gave an unexpected sense of warmth, friendliness, and tranquility. At least, that’s what Velia felt when she looked at the photos. Strangely, she felt peaceful even before setting foot there.
“I know your preferences exactly. So, I still bought it, believing that you would love it.”
Lucas’s confidence was palpable, but not without reason. He was sure that Velia would agree with him.
“I asked Vlora to take care of the house renovation. Everything has been completely renovated.”
“Oh.”
Velia’s short response made Lucas furrow his brow slightly. His eyes gleamed mischievously.
“Just ‘oh’?”
Velia smiled and playfully tapped Lucas’s chest. “What else should I say?”
Lucas’s thumb resumed its caress. The photos scrolled, and new pictures replaced the old ones.
“I want to see if ‘oh’ is all you’ll say now.”
Velia blinked once. There were no more photos of the house with its faded white paint and peeling walls. The images were replaced by a portrait of an elegant and beautiful residence.
Pure white. Wooden brown. Those two elements were harmoniously combined, creating a classic and luxurious impression. The presence of four pillars on the terrace emphasized the house’s elegant point.
Lucas showed another photo. After indulging their eyes with the renovated front view of the house, he now shifted the focus to the interior.
The living room became their next point of interest. It was furnished with expensive sofas, a combination of teak wood and patterned upholstery that created a breathtaking masterpiece. Its surface gleamed with a golden sheen. It was also adorned with classical carvings and ornaments that added a unique and beautiful touch.
The screen scrolled again. Alternatingly, Lucas continued showing each transformation that occurred in the house, including the family room, bedrooms, and kitchen-the most important parts.
Lucas’s thumb stopped moving. He glanced at Velia, and his gaze hinted at mischievousness once again when he did not receive any response.
“Ve?”
Velia remained silent as if a thousand words were trapped inside her. It took her a moment to say anything. It was as if she was hypnotized and needed time to come back to her senses.
“This house is beautiful.”
Lucas’s confidence proved right once again. A sense of pride welled up in his chest, making him even more certain. When it came to Velia, it seemed he knew it all.
“You like it.”
Velia could not argue with Lucas’s conclusion when her eyes had already agreed.
“I knew you would like it, but…”
Velia’s focus shifted to Lucas. His tone of voice changed, emitting a mysterious impression.
“… there’s actually something I haven’t shown you yet.”
“Something?”
“Yes,” Lucas nodded. “You’ve seen almost 95 percent of the condition of this house, but there’s one place you haven’t seen.”
Velia’s expression showed curiosity. “What?”
“I won’t tell you,” Lucas said.
Velia’s mouth opened, ready to argue with Lucas’s decision, but he quickly continued speaking.
“I want you to see it for yourself.”
The words that were about to come out of Velia’s lips vanished instantly. She blinked with a mixture of curiosity and slight hesitation.
“I see it for myself?”
Lucas nodded. “I’ve put the house key in your work bag. Maybe it was yesterday or a few days ago. Uh, I’m not sure, but you can check it yourself.”
Velia’s curiosity about the unknown place was interrupted by Lucas’s explanation. No wonder her focus shifted to another fact.
“W-what?” Velia asked in a fluster. “The house key is in my work bag?”
“Yes. I thought you were cooking or-”
Lucas appeared uncertain. He shook his head and realized it wasn’t important.
“The point is, you can check the house whenever you want.”
Velia rose from Lucas’s embrace. She moved slightly to be able to look directly into his eyes and asked,
“Are you serious?”
“Very,” Lucas nodded confidently. “I want you to see this one part with your own eyes.”
The mysterious impression given by Lucas became even more prominent, especially with his gaze. It made Velia even more curious.
“I will see it. Maybe next week. I will ask Carter to take me.”
Lucas nodded once. He noted the day in his mind and would not forget to confirm it when Velia was going.
“Don’t forget to contact me.”
“Of course. I will definitely let you know, and now I’m excited,” Velia said with a meaningful look. “I’m curious if the house is as beautiful as the photos.”
Lucas’s lips twitched with amusement. He knew Velia was teasing, and it triggered his instinct to act.
“You always doubt me.”
Lucas’s amusement turned into a faint laugh that silenced Velia’s small laughter. As Lucas gently pulled her waist, their lips met in a soft kiss.
Velia closed her eyes. When Lucas deepened the kiss, her lips parted and welcomed him with all her soul.
The pull at Velia’s waist became more pronounced. And so did Velia’s response, unreservedly.
Velia moved. Following the pull and instinct, she shifted to sit on Lucas’s lap with her legs open.
Lucas’s hand crept up Velia’s back while her slender fingers cupped his cheeks. The kiss became deeper and carried them away.
Lucas could feel Velia’s teeth grazing his lower lip, just as Velia shuddered from his tongue’s touch.
Lucas’s hand moved. He felt the edge of Velia’s nightgown and slipped inside. Stopping at her buttocks, he squeezed for a few moments, just before a thought crossed his mind to stop his finger’s movement.
“Ve.”
It was not just a squeeze; Lucas also ended the kiss. He created a small distance that made Velia open her eyes with a pained expression.
Velia seemed tormented, feeling displeased with Lucas’s sudden cessation of their intimacy. She wanted to protest, but Lucas quickly asked,
“Is your menstruation over?”
Velia nodded with breathless gasps. “I-it ended two days ago.”
“Two days ago?” Lucas squinted his eyes. “For that long, and you didn’t let me know?”
Velia burst into laughter. “You didn’t ask.”
“Oh ho! That means you have to pay for those two days.”
Velia’s eyes widened with rhythm. Her laughter disappeared, replaced by readiness as Lucas laid his body down.
Velia’s legs moved. She immediately wrapped them around Lucas’s waist as he pinned her down.
Their intimacy continued. Without any pause, Lucas did not give Velia a chance to even catch her breath. He did not allow Velia to do anything else. Except to moan and repeatedly whisper Lucas’s name amidst passionate lovemaking.
*