51

[REBECCA]
Silently, we descended the stairs, and as he led me outside into the back garden, my steps faltered. “Where are we going?” I inquired.
“Just wait and see. I don’t want to spoil the surprise,” he muttered. A resigned sigh escaped my lips, and I nodded in agreement, although curiosity and excitement tingled within me.
Yet, my excitement waned as he guided us deeper into the woods behind the estate. With each step, unease crept into my being. The rustling of leaves and snapping of twigs beneath my feet filled the air as I silently followed Artemy, his determination evident in his stride.
Something felt off. Very off.
My eyes widened, and I abruptly came to a standstill. Sensing my hesitation, Artemy turned around, his gaze fixed upon me, awaiting an explanation.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, tilting his head inquisitively.
“Why… where… are we… going?” I stammered, consumed by fear and panic.
“I told you, it’s a surprise. Come on, we’re almost there.” When I remained rooted to the spot, he sighed. “Rebecca, trust me. Okay? I won’t hurt you.”
His words gradually eased my fear, yet a lingering sense of caution remained.
Against my better judgment, I decided to follow him. Little did I know, my decision would lead me to an incredible discovery. As we ventured deeper into the forest, the dense foliage gradually gave way to a captivating sight. Sunlight filtered through the trees, bathing the surrounding woodland in a gentle glow, breathing life and enchantment into every touched leaf. The distant sound of rushing water reached my ears, carrying a refreshing melody that quickened my steps to keep up with Artemy.
At last, emerging from the thick vegetation, Artemy came to a halt, nearly catching me off guard. I managed to steady myself just in time, standing beside him as he murmured softly, “We have arrived.” Curiosity furrowed my eyebrows, and I positioned myself to his side, ready to witness whatever awaited me. And when I finally laid eyes on the grandeur he wished to reveal, a gasp involuntarily escaped my lips. Overwhelmed, I instinctively covered my mouth with my hands, astounded by the magnificent beauty that unfolded before me.
“Oh my God,” I whispered in complete and utter shock. Tentatively, I approached the stream that meandered through the heart of the woods. The rocks lining its bed shimmered in a mesmerizing array of brown, black, and red hues, while the water cascading over them sparkled brilliantly under the sun’s radiant gaze. Vibrant wildflowers adorned the stream’s edge, a kaleidoscope of colors-purples, yellows, reds, and whites-enhancing the breathtaking scene. Across the creek, a meadow flourished with the same resplendent flowers.
Amidst this paradise, the only sounds that reached my ears were the gentle babbling of the water and the sweet melodies of singing birds. I stood in silent awe, utterly captivated and rendered speechless. Never before had I beheld such a wondrous sight. My gaze remained fixated, unable to tear away from the sheer magnificence before me. A weight lifted off my shoulders, and I felt a sense of liberation and bliss. Butterflies danced in my stomach, and a wide smile illuminated my face.
“This is so beautiful,” I breathed, overcome with emotion. Artemy drew closer, his presence radiating warmth that permeated my being. “It truly is,” he softly agreed. We stood there in silence for several minutes, both of us basking in the splendor of the moment. Finally tearing my eyes away from the stream and the meadow, I turned to face him. His eyes shimmered in the sunlight, unwaveringly fixed upon mine.
Maintaining our intense gaze, he spoke gently, “I come here when I need to clear my mind.” I couldn’t help but shift my attention to him, his words stirring my curiosity. He continued, his voice tinged with a hint of nervousness, “I thought maybe you would want to see it. You need it more than I do.”
Gratitude welled up within me, filling me with overwhelming joy. “Thank you,” I uttered, my voice catching in my throat. Artemy remained unaware that he had already granted me the peace I sought. What he had just given me surpassed anything I could have imagined. Unbeknownst to him, he embodied my serenity.
Again, I expressed my gratitude, my words accompanied by a swelling emotion. “This is truly magnificent.” Artemy nodded silently, his unwavering gaze never leaving mine. However, it was I who broke the connection, turning back to the enchanting creek and meadow, my smile growing wider.
Raising my face to the heavens, I basked in the warm sunlight, closing my eyes and relishing the serenity that washed over me. I had spent my life confined within my father’s mansion, never permitted to venture beyond its gates. This was my first taste of freedom, my first foray into the real world outside.
Aware of Artemy’s watchful presence, I felt a comforting warmth and joy emanating from him. Slowly, I opened my eyes, avoiding direct eye contact as I fixed my gaze ahead. Time seemed to slip away as we remained in that tranquil state, me admiring the beauty and Artemy keeping his eyes on me.
Eventually, the ache in my feet and a subtle shift in Artemy’s stance urged us to return. “We should head back. It’s almost time for lunch,” he suggested softly, breaking the silence.
I turned my gaze towards him, feeling a pang of disappointment. “We can come back tomorrow,” he suggested, trying to offer a solution. I nodded, turning my attention back to the stream. “C’mon,” he urged me, his voice filled with anticipation. As Artemy began to move away, a sudden surge of panic gripped my chest. I swiftly spun around to find him facing away from me.
Without knowing why, I impulsively lunged forward and grabbed onto the back of his jacket, stopping him in his tracks. Artemy glanced back at me, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion and curiosity. My hand trembled uncontrollably, and I couldn’t comprehend the reason behind it. There was something I wanted… no, something I needed desperately, but I couldn’t identify what it was. My fingers tightened their grip on the fabric of his jacket, capturing his attention. Artemy turned around, and reluctantly, I had no choice but to let go. An emptiness enveloped me, leaving me feeling hollow.
Raising my hand, I placed it over my chest, trying to calm my racing heart. “Rebecca?” he questioned, his gaze intense as he awaited my response. Taking a deep breath, I mustered the courage to step closer to him. His eyes widened slightly, and he tilted his head, waiting for me to speak. I paused, looking down momentarily.
“Can you please hold me?” I asked softly, my voice barely above a whisper. Artemy had shown me the beauty of the world, but I yearned for something deeper. I needed him-his warmth, his comforting embrace. Only he could bring me the serenity I craved. Simply put, I needed him.
As I felt Artemy drawing nearer, my heart skipped a beat. He stopped just an inch away from me, his presence overwhelming. His finger gently touched my chin, tilting my head up until our eyes locked. He seemed surprised, unsure of my request. “Are you sure?” he asked, his voice filled with concern. Swallowing hard, I nodded, conveying my certainty. That was all the confirmation Artemy needed.
He enveloped me in his arms, pulling me close to his body, providing a secure sanctuary within his embrace. My head rested above his heart, and I closed my eyes, tuning in to its steady rhythm. Placing my hands on his chest, I nestled into his form, allowing myself to melt into his warm, tender hold. My fingers clung tightly to the fabric of his jacket, afraid to let go. His warmth encased me, filling my senses until all I could perceive, feel, and think about was him.
We remained locked in that position, lost in time. And when Artemy started to loosen his grip, an unwillingness to release overcame me. So, I held on. My fingers stubbornly clung to the fabric as I tilted my head up, gazing into Artemy’s eyes. He blinked down at me, his hands slowly rising. His fingers grazed my cheeks, eliciting a sigh of contentment from deep within me.
Artemy’s gaze softened, radiating warmth as he cradled my face tenderly. Leaning slightly closer, his lips hovered just inches away from mine. The mere thought of his touch sent my heart into a frenzy. My grip on his jacket tightened instinctively, and I drew myself even closer, our bodies melding together seamlessly. There was no repulsion, only a profound sense of tranquility.
Artemy locked eyes with me, then glanced at my lips. He swallowed hard, returning his gaze to my eyes once more. I knew what he desired. So, I granted him a small nod, granting
him permission. Surprise flickered in his eyes, but he didn’t hesitate. His lips delicately met mine, pressing gently.
I gasped, overwhelmed by the fullness of his kiss, and allowed myself to relax into his embrace. He held me as though I were fragile glass, afraid of shattering me. His lips were soft, tender against mine. Artemy exhibited utmost care as he explored my mouth, his movements feather-light at first, gradually applying a gentle pressure.
The sensation was intoxicating. It was an exhilaration I had never experienced before, and I wished for it to last indefinitely. As his kiss deepened, his tongue brushed lightly against my sensitive lips. I felt his fingers caressing my cheeks, and he intensified the kiss ever so slightly.
As I released yet another sigh, he instinctively leaned back, creating a slight distance between us. His lips were merely an inch away from mine, and I could sense the intensity of his breathing as his chest rose and fell beneath my hand. In that moment, I realized that I was experiencing the same rush of emotions as him.
Raising my gaze to meet his, I discovered him staring at me with wide eyes, a kaleidoscope of feelings swirling within them. They were so expressive, yet I couldn’t quite decipher the exact emotions they held.
Moved by a mixture of curiosity and the desire to understand, I lifted my hand and gently brushed my fingertips against my still-tingling lips. At that tender gesture, his eyes softened even further, revealing a depth of tenderness and vulnerability.
Unbeknownst to him, this particular kiss held a profound significance for me. It wasn’t just any ordinary kiss; it was my very first genuine kiss, a milestone moment that would forever mark the beginning of my romantic journey.