Between belief and disbelief, it had been that long since Lydia had held onto the hope of becoming the only woman in Bryan’s life. It had also been that long since she had endured being called mistress or lover.
“I’ve waited so long, Bryan! Isn’t that enough? How much longer do you want me to wait? I’m tired of being called mistress! I can’t take it anymore!”
“Lydia, listen to me. I know exactly how you feel, but I can’t divorce Amanda yet.”
Lydia’s stomach turned when she heard Bryan mention Amanda’s name. She felt like vomiting.
“You’re such a coward, Bryan. You’re afraid to divorce her because you don’t want to lose everything you have, right?”
“Who do you think will suffer if I lose everything? It’s not just me who will suffer, you and Jonas will feel the same way.”
Bryan’s words successfully silenced Lydia. A glimmer of common sense made her realize the truth in that statement.
“I have tried, Lydia. At least so far, you can see that I put you and Jonas first. I love you both more,” Bryan continued in a soft voice. “I promise you; this is the last time Andreas will do this to you.”
Bryan’s soft tone seeped into Lydia and calmed her anger. She took a deep breath and sat down on the edge of the bed.
Lydia remained silent. She allowed Bryan’s words to soothe her, and all of Bryan’s actions over the years played in her mind.
Bryan had given priority to Lydia and Jonas. They were always special to him. No matter how people labeled her and Jonas as a lover and an unrecognized child, Bryan always put them first.
Lydia’s anger subsided. The screams and frustrated tears that threatened to burst were successfully contained. All the memories and fantasies had calmed her.
“I don’t want Andreas to do this to us again, Bryan. I don’t want that.”
“You don’t have to worry, Lydia. You know that I love you both very much. I’ll make sure that Andreas can’t touch you in any way. Trust me.”
Lydia let out a long sigh. “Yes, Bryan. I trust you.”
But what exactly did Lydia trust in the words of a man who had made her his mistress for only thirty-five years?
*
“Really. I had no idea that the dessert before was your cooking.”
Vlora had just washed her face. There was no makeup left; she looked refreshed. Especially with that slight smile.
“You were too busy in your office this afternoon,” Vlora said casually as she sat down at the vanity table. She glanced briefly at Andreas in the mirror. Andreas looked relaxed as he leaned against the bed. “Since I had nothing to do, I decided to help prepare dinner tonight. Did you like it?”
“Did I like it?”
Andreas grumbled slightly as he repeated Vlora’s question. He shifted a little and put his phone in the closed position on the bedside table. The screen facing down ensured that he would not think about work during his break, which was one of the ways he enjoyed life.
“I don’t think I’ve ever really enjoyed Kustar before. Not until tonight. The kustar tonight was really delicious.”
Reflexively, Vlora’s head lifted, eyes closed. A bright, melodious laughter rang out.
Oh, what a lovely sight. Andreas grinned as he watched her.
“I must admit, Reas, you have an extraordinary skill with all your compliments, eh, and your charm.”
Andreas’ eyes sparkled. He showed a mischievous and teasing look at the same time. “You’re impressed, aren’t you?”
Vlora rose and walked with such grace that it sent shivers down Andreas’ spine. The subtle sway of the unsupported breasts made his eyes itch. Especially when the tantalizing scent began to waft in, making it difficult for him to breathe.
Vlora stopped when she reached the bed. But she didn’t join Andreas right away. It seemed intentional.
Andreas raised his face, his eyes slowly tracing Vlora’s body. Starting with her long, slender calves, he moved up to her beautiful thighs, past her slim waist.
Andreas’ visual exploration ended with Vlora’s eyes, having skillfully navigated the enticing view of a pair of soft breasts. Now they stared at each other and Vlora nodded.
“I think it’s more than just being impressed, especially with the dishes on the table earlier.”
Vlora’s eyes narrowed. Her expression changed, and Andreas grinned with a different impression.
“I was very impressed.”
“You liked it, didn’t you? You enjoyed it?”
Andreas’ assumption seemed unfeeling, perhaps. After all, one should not like and enjoy the tension of a marital drama. Vlora should be sympathetic and saddened by the disharmony that had arisen.
She should. But Andreas could sense what Vlora was feeling. He could clearly see the reaction that Vlora was hiding. Not to brag, but he knew for a fact that his eyes were not only good at judging beautiful women. His eyes could see everything. Besides, he would not forget that Vlora had added some sweetness to his game earlier.
“So, are you impressed?”
Vlora’s question got a very fitting answer. Andreas said,
“More than impressed. You created a unique tension for me.
A meaningful smile appeared on Andreas’ face. He stood up and reached for Vlora’s hand.
A gentle tug pulled Vlora. She did not resist and reflexively closed her eyes as Andreas immediately kissed her.
The delicious kisses hypnotized Vlora. Andreas kissed her in a tantalizing rhythm without making any demands. It was as if he just wanted to play and have fun. That is, Vlora playfully returned the favor.
Vlora’s hands changed position. Her fingers landed on Andreas’ shoulders. She squeezed briefly, and as the kisses continued, Vlora pushed Andreas.
Andreas was caught between two different softnesses. There was a bed underneath and Vlora’s body on top.
A growl vibrated in Andreas’ chest. He accepted Vlora’s invitation with an exciting exploration.
Both of Andreas’ hands moved. He caressed and stroked Vlora’s entire body.
The kiss ended when both felt their lungs protest. They opened their eyes and took a deep breath.
The air around them had changed. It was hot and filled with desire.
“Shall we continue our excitement?”
Vlora did not answer immediately; instead, her hand slipped into Andreas’ casual pants. Their fingers touched and Andreas immediately held his breath.
“I demand my dessert, Reas.”
*