This is the perfect position. Leaning to the side and leaning on his elbow, Andreas could feast his eyes to his heart’s content. Just look. His expression and wide smile made everything crystal clear.
There was nothing that Andreas could not see. No part escaped his gaze. He really enjoyed the view of Vlora lying next to him.
Andreas’ eyes moved. He began his visual exploration, starting with Vlora’s head resting on the soft pillow. Her disheveled wavy hair. Her closed eyes. Her still slightly flushed cheeks. Even her chapped lips, revealing the swelling.
Moving down a bit, Andreas found Vlora’s limp hand holding the blanket over her bare chest. There seemed to be a regular up and down movement, and occasionally something peeked out from inside.
Ah…
Andreas swallowed hard. It did not take him long to come to a conclusion. He was ready to spend all his time just looking at Vlora.
“My parents died when I was young, Reas. You could even say when I was very young. I took care of Thomas even then. I didn’t have time to date,” Vlora’s voice suddenly sounded. Without opening her eyes, she took a deep breath and spoke.
Andreas smiled. This time he followed his heart’s desire to touch Vlora. First, he ran his fingers through her hair, which cascaded down the side of her face.
“Soon you could start a fortune-telling practice, my dear.”
Andreas was not satisfied with just touching her hair, so he moved closer. He buried his face in the fragrant locks. Closing his eyes, he inhaled the scent. Then he kissed Vlora’s head.
Andreas’ touch made Vlora open her eyes. She blinked slowly and adjusted the edge of the blanket. Her anticipation flared when she felt their skin greeting each other inside.
“You want to ask that, don’t you?” Vlora asked, turning to face Andreas. “Am I wrong?”
Andreas did not answer right away. He let his lips roam. He traced the line of Vlora’s jaw and kissed her cheek.
Not only that. Andreas’ hand under the blanket had reached Vlora’s waist. He gave weak, tantalizing caresses.
“No, you’re right,” Andreas replied. His lips were still playing on Vlora’s cheek. “That’s exactly what I wanted to ask. A woman like you…” He moved closer. “… impossible not to have had a lover before.”
Vlora let out a heavy breath. It was then that she realized that her husband’s touch truly had a profound effect on her. Unfortunately, her body showed signs of liking it.
Andreas’ fingers explored. Then he rubbed her waist and stomach. But shortly after that, all his teasing stopped. Instead, he whispered.
“I am indeed a scoundrel. It’s only been half an hour and I’m already seducing you again. Are you tired?”
Vlora’s eyes narrowed as she noticed the change in Andreas’ gaze. She grinned thinly.
“Do you think so? After a few hours at our wedding party? Of course, I’m tired.”
It seemed that Andreas had made a slight mistake with his question this time. In reality, Vlora was indeed tired, but honestly, her body had responded to Andreas’ affectionate touches.
Vlora rejected the possibility of correcting Andreas’ question. A little bit of common sense warned her. She was tired and not every wish had to be fulfilled. It would be wiser not to push her body to its limits.
“Of course, you’re tired. So, it’s probably better if we sleep now,” Andreas nodded. “I’m sure we’ll have a long day tomorrow.”
But Andreas was already planning to close his eyes. He had found the perfect position-nestled in the curve of Vlora’s neck. But something made him open his eyes again.
Andreas lifted his head slightly, his forehead furrowed as he noticed Vlora, who seemed tense, perhaps even more so than on their first night together.
“What is it?” he asked.
Vlora took a deep breath. “Honestly, cuddling while sleeping is not my usual habit.”
Andreas was silent for a moment, as if he needed time to digest Vlora’s words. Then his smile slowly broadened.
Of course, Vlora’s honesty did not make Andreas pull away. On the contrary, he moved closer to Vlora and wrapped his arm around her waist.
“In that case…”
Vlora did not resist. She was completely wrapped in Andreas’ embrace.
“… we can get used to it from now on.”
*
For someone who was not used to sleeping while being cuddled, Vlora exceeded Andreas’ expectations. He knew that Vlora was not the shy type who would withdraw when pressed. She would not quietly slip out of his embrace. However, he had prepared himself for the possibility that Vlora might kick him while they slept.
Fortunately, that did not happen. Andreas woke up unharmed.
Vlora was still in his arms. Her tired face looked peaceful, and something occurred to Andreas.
I’ve just realized why so many men want to get married. Hmm, it’s a different feeling when you see your wife asleep in your arms.
Andreas spent some time savoring the moment. He felt the smoothness of Vlora’s skin, inhaled the scent of her hair, and even shivered as Vlora’s warm breath caressed his chest. There, Vlora’s face rested in complete surrender to her unconsciousness-comforting.
“Ehm.”
Andreas leaned down. Vlora wriggled on his chest. Her hand, which had been resting on her belly, moved slowly.
“Are you awake, Vlo?”
Andreas felt a nod. Vlora let go of Andreas’ embrace and sat up.
Vlora held the blanket to her chest with one hand, while the other smoothed her disheveled hair. In her position, Andreas found her movements seductive.
Oh. I think everything Vlora does now will be a temptation in my eyes.
Andreas stood up as well. As he approached, his lips landed on Vlora’s shoulder. He greeted her with a very sweet “Good morning”.
Vlora ignored Andreas. She assessed her own physical sensations and began to massage herself in various places. Andreas smiled.
Andreas could not contain his laughter after Vlora commented, “My body feels really stiff. I don’t even usually feel this way right after waking up.”
“I’m pretty sure I can help with that,” Andreas replied with a smile that turned to laughter.
Vlora turned to her husband, her forehead wrinkling as she watched his expression. “What’s on your mind?” she asked.
Andreas did not answer right away. Instead, he stood up and quickly, in the blink of an eye, Vlora found herself in his arms. They ignored their modesty and got out of bed.
“Reas,” Vlora exclaimed in surprise. Fortunately, her surprise didn’t make her forget to wrap her arms around Andreas’ neck-almost as a reflex.
Andreas walked forward with measured steps, enjoying the sight of the innocent Vlora in his embrace. Oh, my goodness. He was truly grateful.
“Time for a shower, Vlo,” Andreas said with a teasing twinkle in his eye. “Warm water is the best cure for your stiffness.”
It sounded like a tempting idea. The thought of a warm bath was indeed tempting.
*