For a moment, the fragrant bubbles continued to ripple without direction, even splashing out of the bathtub and spilling everywhere. It took some time for the excitement of the warm water to subside, just like the excitement of the two people inside.
Vlora remained on Andreas’ lap, still in the same position, and Andreas’ hands held her tightly.
Moments passed. The waves of the water had calmed down and so had Vlora’s breathing. Andreas smiled. His embrace slowly loosened and turned into gentle strokes on Vlora’s back.
But that was not all. Andreas also planted a kiss on the side of Vlora’s head. He seemed to confirm the truth of Vlora’s words that he was the perfect lover. For a perfect lover never misses the opportunity for tender gestures when love is in the air.
“Reas.”
Vlora’s hands went limp around Andreas’s neck. She collapsed onto Andreas’ shoulder as if all her energy had been drained from her.
Andreas could clearly sense Vlora’s weakness. So, it was no surprise when he smiled with a proud expression. Believe me, every man’s ego swells when he sees his partner enjoying their intimacy. Andreas was no exception.
There was no denying that their marriage had happened quickly and without the usual courtship process that most couples go through. This raised questions in Andreas’ mind. Would Vlora enjoy her marriage? As a man who took the initiative, he certainly did.
The pleasant fact was that Vlora was so open about all her thoughts. She was logical- extremely logical in Andreas’ eyes. She accepted the marriage and everything that came with it.
The highlight was when Andreas praised Vlora for the first time. It was not hard for her to conclude what kind of lover Andreas was. Despite his often-teasing nature, he had to admit that Andreas was a man made by God to please women.
It was a bit amusing, but Vlora had successfully woven a common thread.
No wonder he became a playboy.
It was not surprising that many women were infatuated with Andreas. He was the living embodiment of women’s fantasies.
Andreas was not just a mature lover, he also paid attention to every little touch. His eye contact was captivating and enchanting. What woman would not go wild when he started to flirt with her?
Vlora was one of his victims. Luckily, she was not just any victim.
“Is it time for us to finish this bathing session?” Andreas asked with a playful tone in his voice. Vlora giggled.
“I really didn’t expect us to do this here. In the bathtub? Oh, my goodness. This is really outrageous.”
“Sshh.”
Andreas brought the bubbles to Vlora’s body, caressing and pampering her.
“As far as I know, there are no rules that prohibit a man and a woman from having fun in the bathtub,” Andreas said as he rubbed Vlora’s shoulders. “Besides, that’s not the only ‘outrageous thing’ we can do.”
Vlora narrowed her eyes while Andreas chuckled quietly.
“What do you mean, Reas?”
“I mean that we have plenty of time to do many more ‘outrageous things.'”
The corners of Andreas’ lips twitched. His imagination was working fast. There was a desk, a swimming pool, a kitchen, stairs, a living room-
Vlora shifted. Her hand stayed on Andreas’ shoulder as she tried to stand, instantly shattering Andreas’ imagination.
“Can you stand?”
Vlora’s expression seemed hesitant. So, Andreas once again showed how attentive he was as a lover.
Andreas carried Vlora. They got out of the bathtub and went to the shower to rinse off.
The scent of soap and the aura of their intimacy dissipated, leaving fragrant and moist skin.
Time passed. The hotel staff had cleaned up the room. Andreas and Vlora had had a late breakfast. Now it was time to relax.
Andreas and Vlora chatted on the sofa, sitting comfortably on opposite sides.
“What time should we check out tomorrow morning?” Vlora’s voice broke the silence between them and brought Andreas back to reality from his fascination with her.
“Maybe around four or five in the morning,” Andreas replied casually, shrugging his shoulders briefly. “I’m sure we can stay here longer. Lucas won’t mind.”
Vlora, who had been leaning on the arm of the sofa, suddenly lifted her head. Her eyes were closed and her laughter was carefree.
Andreas liked it. Perhaps because Vlora often seemed serious, her laughter became something special.
“Don’t be like that, Reas. We both know I won’t.”
Andreas sighed and put his hand to his chest. “Does that mean I’m less important than your boss?”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Vlora chuckled. “Besides, it won’t be difficult for you to wait a few more months for our honeymoon. Relax.”
Andreas took a deep breath. He rose from his position and moved closer to Vlora. Without a word, he planted a quick kiss on Vlora’s lips.
The amusement on Vlora’s face vanished instantly. Her eyes closed again, but this time for a different reason. She was enjoying the fleeting kiss.
“I’m actually worried about something else.”
Andreas’ hand moved. His fingers played with Vlora’s cheek. For a moment he glanced at the casual dress she was wearing, which looked loose on her body.
“You know, don’t you? Newlyweds are like rabbits in mating season. I’m afraid I’m going to have trouble controlling myself even without a honeymoon.”
Of course. A newlywed euphoria surrounded Andreas. He wanted to touch Vlora, and when that touch ended, he wanted the next one. It was like an endless cycle.
“Hold on, Reas,” Vlora warned as she gently held Andreas’ broad chest. “I think my body really needs some rest now. What we did in the bathtub was quite exhausting for me.”
Andreas grinned. “Alright.”
Vlora knew it would not be difficult for Andreas. There was at least one experience that proved that Andreas was a patient man.
“I almost forgot to mention something. It seems…”
The topic shifted and luckily Andreas remembered something important at the right moment.
“… we’re moving to my place tomorrow.”
“Your place?” Vlora’s voice sounded uncertain. She wondered if Andreas was inviting her to live in his big family house.
“Not my family house. Not Sanders House,” Andreas replied with a mischievous smile. He could clearly guess what Vlora was thinking. “Besides, I’m not that crazy to ask you to stay there. I couldn’t even stand it myself, let alone you.”
Vlora looked up briefly. “Oh.”
“It’s my own place, and I hope you won’t be surprised. Even though I don’t have a job right now, that doesn’t mean I don’t have a home.”
“You know,” Vlora asked without waiting for Andreas’ answer, a playful expression on her face. “I hope you’re grateful. Not many women want to marry an unemployed man.”
Andreas raised his head and burst out laughing.
“Oh, Vlora. You don’t know how grateful I am to have married you. I’ll do my best for you.”
Andreas’ words made Vlora curious.
“So, my people will empty your apartment tomorrow while you’re at work. Don’t worry, I’ll supervise it. Are you okay with that?”
Vlora shook her head. “It’s no problem. Besides, I’m not the kind of person who enjoys packing. I’d be very happy to have someone else do it for me.”
“Good.”
“Besides,” Vlora said as she took a quick breath. “I haven’t lived at home for a long time. I’m looking forward to it.”
A smile appeared on Andreas’ face. He promised, “You’re going to like it. My place is not like my family’s house, which is full of servants. Your privacy will be respected.
Andreas’ words caused a slight furrow in Vlora’s forehead. There was a strange emotion in her eyes. But it vanished a moment later when she spoke.
“I have no privacy at all.”
Andreas chuckled and shook his head once. “I don’t mean privacy in the sense of secrets, but your habits. I thought you were the kind of woman who doesn’t really like crowded places.”
For the umpteenth time, Andreas managed to impress Vlora.
“Overly crowded places can be a bit exhausting for me.”
“I know that, and besides, we don’t need too many people around us. They can interfere with some of our plans.”
Vlora narrowed her eyes. “Our plans?”
Andreas laughed.
“I don’t feel like I have any plans.”
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
Andreas’ teasing look was clearly visible. No wonder Vlora’s expression changed. Andreas laughed again, but he had not forgotten something important.
“We’ll talk about that later. One thing you’ll have to understand is that our house might be a bit busy in the early days of our marriage.”
The subject of ‘our plans’ left Vlora’s mind immediately. Something in Andreas’ words made her curious.
“There will be some formalities to go through. It’s like a family celebration. We have to do it, even if I don’t like it.”
Vlora rose from her relaxed position. “I’m sure I can enjoy it.”
Of course, Andreas would not question something that was a given. He smiled, and now the boring topic was no longer his concern. There was something more interesting on Andreas’ mind now.
Andreas watched Vlora’s movements, his gaze seemingly lurking.
“What? Do you have something to say?”
Andreas blinked once before he looked at Vlora. “Have I told you that you’re beautiful?”
“Oh, Reas,” Vlora sighed and giggled. “I’m sure you’ve said it a few times. Maybe two or three times.”
Andreas grinned with amusement. “You can still count. I’m so bad at it. So, it seems my job now is to make you unable to count them anymore.”
“You’re really good at charming, Reas.”
Andreas did not care if Vlora’s words were praise or a tease. At least it was honest.
“While you enjoy me charming you. You love it.”
Vlora nodded slightly. Her eyes rolled briefly before they confirmed Andreas’ words.
“I do enjoy it. I could even say that I enjoy it a lot.”
That was one of the things Andreas liked about Vlora, her honesty. Along with her logical thinking, she had no qualms about expressing everything honestly, whether it was good or bad.
Moreover, Vlora did not hesitate to do whatever she wanted, including lightly caressing Andreas’ chest.
Vlora’s hands, which had initially rested on Andreas’ chest, changed their purpose. No longer restraining, she now touched and then moved upward. Slowly she traced Andreas’ chest until she reached the curve of his neck.
Vlora pulled Andreas closer and kissed him. Oh my! Andreas felt as if his body had instantly melted.
Andreas swallowed. After Vlora kissed him, they looked into each other’s eyes.
“Does that mean you’re not tired anymore?”
Vlora did not answer with words, but with actions. She kissed Andreas again.
*