THE opulence of the penthouse was as always, undeniable, with its floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the city lights that sparkled like scattered diamonds.
Along the hallway, Jeremy and Jasira walked along, arms wrapped around each other with Jasira laughing as Jeremy whispered sweet nothings to her.
“You know how he looked like?” Jeremy asked as he wrapped his arms around her from behind.
“Mm mm, nope,” she said waving her head both sides, a sweet smile on her lips as she anxiously waited to hear what her man had to say.
“Like a mummy,” he whispered and the next thing, she burst into another round of laughter.
“Oh my! You won’t kill me with laughter,” she said.
He shook his head.
“Oh why should I? Who is gonna be my queen if I do that?” He rhetorically asked and she began laughing again, he chuckled.
They got to the door of his bedroom and Jeremy opened the door, still holding onto her.
Jasira stepped in, her laughter still resonating with a melody of genuine joy. This was just it, this was just what she wanted, to have a genuine filled laughter and being with this enigmatic CEO who had captured her heart in ways she had never expected, has made it happen.
Their connection was magnetic, a blend of passion and secrecy that kept her on the edge of an exhilarating precipice.
He closed the door behind them and quickly turned Jasira to face him, she did and wrapped her arms around his neck, while he wrapped his around her waist.
“You know,” he began, “you are always all that I have been asking for,” he said and she chuckled, there he goes again.
“You aren’t an exception my love,” she replied him, “I have always wanted genuine happiness, and meeting you has just brought me that,” she said.
A smile played on his lips as he brought his head down and smooched her lips.
“Going to the office with you these days has been amazing,” she said and he snickered.
“Good. Let me fix us drinks,” he said and she nodded.
He left her and walked up to the small bar section in the room. As he poured two glasses of red wine, her eyes roved around the room. She had been here many times, but tonight something felt different. There was a sense of anticipation in the air, a promise of something unspoken.
Soon, her gaze landed on a particular portrait hanging on the far wall. That same portrait that seemed to be haunting her, giving her nauseous feeling.
Tonight, the feeling was more intense, like icy fingers gripping her heart. The image triggered a cascade of memories she had tried hard to suppress images of power, danger, and the weight of her hidden identity as the Mafia Queen.
Her laughter suddenly died in her throat, replaced by a cold, creeping fear. She went rigid, her eyes locked onto the portrait as if it were a specter from her past.
Jeremy, ever the observant lover, noticed the change immediately. He set down the glasses and approached her with the grace of a predator, his expression a mask of concern.
“Jasira,” he said softly, his voice a rich, soothing baritone. “Are you alright?” He asked.
She forced herself to nod, tearing her eyes away from the painting.
“Yes, I’m fine. Just… lost in thought.”
Jeremy didn’t press further. Instead, he placed a gentle hand on her back, guiding her towards the couch. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver through her, but it wasn’t fear this time it was the intense attraction that always simmered between them.
They sat close, the tension between them palpable. He handed her a glass of wine, and she took a sip, the liquid courage fortifying her resolve. She couldn’t let her past ruin this moment, this chance at something real.
“Do you know much about that portrait?” He suddenly asked, trying to sound casual, and jeez! She almost spilled the drink from her mouth, she swallowed hard.
She glanced at the portrait, then back at him.
“Can we not talk about it please?” She asked and he shrugged, feigning indifference.
Then he nodded, his eyes studying her with a depth that always made her feel exposed.
“As you wish my lady, but I find it beautiful, like you.”
His words were a balm to her frayed nerves. She quickly leaned in, capturing his lips in a kiss that was both tender and hungry. The world outside ceased to exist as they lost themselves in each other, their bodies entwining in a dance as old as time.
Suddenly Jeremy pulled backwards and stared into her eyes.
“Do you want this?” He asked and all she could do was nod, she nodded.
And that was it, he immediately carried her up and straight to the bed where he laid her. This was going to be their first night, as for Jasira, it wasn’t going to be the first time she was doing it, but it’s gonna be the first ever with the first man she had ever loved.
The night unfolded in a series of passionate embraces and whispered confessions. For the first time, Jasira allowed herself to be vulnerable, to let go of the ironclad control she always maintained.
He was gentle, yet insistent, drawing out her desires and fears with each touch and caress.
As dawn’s light began to filter through the windows, they lay entwined in the aftermath of their passion. Jeremy held her close, his breath warm against her neck.
“You’re amazing,” he murmured, his voice filled with awe.
Jasira smiled, a genuine warmth spreading through her.
“So are you,” she replied, her fingers tracing the contours of his face.
For a moment, she allowed herself to believe that this could last, that she could have both the man she loved and the power she wielded. But deep down, she knew the shadows of her past were never far behind. The portrait was still a reminder a ghost she couldn’t escape.
But tonight, with Jeremy’s arms around her, she felt safe. She would face whatever came, but for now, she would savor the precious moments of peace and love.
“Are you okay?” He asked.
She sighed deeply.
“Yeah, I’m trying to be,” she said and turned over.
He chuckled.
“You don’t say that,” and he looked at her, she was already dozing off.