52

[ARTEMY]
Rebecca’s eyes were captivated by the breathtaking beauty before her, but all I could see was her. The sight of her small yet sweet smile illuminated her entire face, radiating excitement and pure happiness. Her vibrant green eyes shimmered with joy, her cheeks tinged with a gentle flush. I couldn’t tear my gaze away from her, completely mesmerized by her beauty in that moment.
As she tilted her head upward, closing her eyes, I hesitated, taking a step closer and then pausing. Swallowing the overwhelming emotions constricting my throat, I averted my gaze and focused straight ahead. Both of us stood in silence for a while, and an inexplicable sense of nervousness washed over me. This place held a sacred significance for me. Since my mother’s passing, I sought solace here day after day, desperately attempting to clear my mind.
It felt like I had given her everything I held dear, everything that resided deep within my heart. And yet, I didn’t know how to navigate my feelings about it all. Confusion enveloped me, as my heart fluttered in her presence and I consistently found myself lost in her. I couldn’t comprehend these emotions, and their elusiveness only left me frustrated. Taking a deep breath, I looked downward, clearing my throat.
“We should head back. It’s almost lunchtime,” I murmured softly. Rebecca shifted beside me, and I glanced up just in time to witness her turning toward me. Disappointment clouded her expression, causing her smile to fade. “We can come back tomorrow,” I offered.
Her beautiful smile returned instantly as she nodded, turning her attention back to the stream. “C’mon,” I urged, taking a step away from her and retracing my steps toward the path leading to the creek. However, I abruptly halted when I felt a tug on the back of my jacket. Frowning, I glanced back to find Rebecca staring at me with panic-stricken eyes.
Turning around to face her, I watched as she slowly released her grip on my jacket. Placing her hand over her chest, her breathing quickened, and her face displayed uncertainty and nervousness. “Rebecca?” I questioned, growing concerned.
She took a deep breath and stepped closer. My eyes widened at her audacious move, and I sucked in a startled breath. Rebecca looked down, and I waited anxiously, my heart pounding wildly in my chest. Her next words shook me to the core.
“Can you please hold me?” she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Her request caught me completely off guard. When I brought Rebecca here, all I wanted was to provide her with a moment of peace. I never anticipated anything in return. I hadn’t realized how much I yearned to hold her in my arms until those words escaped her lips.
With my heart lodged in my throat, I closed the distance between us until we were mere inches apart. The closeness enveloped us, and I could feel her warmth radiating. Rebecca still kept her gaze lowered, deliberately avoiding my eyes. But I longed for those captivating green orbs to meet mine.
Raising my hand, I gently lifted her chin, tilting her head upward until her warm eyes finally connected with mine. “Are you sure?” I inquired, seeking her affirmation. Fear gripped me, afraid that she would retract her request, leaving me bereft once more. Yet, she nodded, and that was all the confirmation I needed.
Without wasting another moment, I wrapped my arms around Rebecca’s slender waist, drawing her into my body until she was securely nestled in my embrace. She felt delicate and small against me, evoking an overwhelming sense of protectiveness. My arms instinctively tightened around her as she rested her head on my chest, directly over my racing heart. Rebecca placed her hand over my chest, and she snuggled into my body, finding comfort.
Closing my eyes, I allowed her warmth and her sweet scent to envelop my senses. When was the last time I held someone so intimately in my arms? The answer was never.
When was the last time I experienced such profound emotions? It was a moment of tranquility and vitality, enveloping me like a breath of fresh air. Rebecca seemed to have infused life into my very being. Holding her in my arms, I wished time would stand still, never wanting to let go of this perfect moment we shared.
Lost in each other’s presence, we remained entwined without a care for the passage of time. Her fingers clung tightly to my suit, refusing to release their hold. Tilting her head back, Rebecca gazed up at me, her eyes captivating my every sense.
With every attempt to regain composure, Rebecca effortlessly unraveled me. It was as if her mere presence could render me powerless. She didn’t need to do anything; just one glance from her, and I was completely captivated. Unconsciously, my hand rose, delicately tracing a finger down her soft cheek. Contentment spilled from her lips in a sigh, and a subtle smile adorned her face, drawing my attention to her inviting lips.
My tenuous grasp on self-control slipped away. Tenderly cradling her cheeks, I leaned closer until our lips hovered mere inches apart. Yet, I hesitated. Rebecca inched nearer until our bodies pressed against each other, igniting a flutter in my heart. Still, I resisted the urge to kiss her, gazing into her eyes, patiently waiting.
I had made a promise to Rebecca-no touch unless she granted permission. This moment was meant to be her choice, her acceptance. Rebecca’s gaze softened, and with a gentle nod, she conveyed her consent. Without giving her a chance to reconsider, I acted swiftly, descending upon her until our lips met in a tender embrace.
I anticipated her pulling away, but instead, she sighed against my mouth and melted into my arms. Her reaction stirred something profound within me. Holding her with utmost care, as if she were the most precious gem, I explored her lips at a leisurely pace. I kissed her as if time itself had ceased to exist.
My lips caressed hers gently, savoring each moment. When I applied the slightest pressure, deepening the kiss ever so slightly, her fingers tightened around the fabric of my suit. I refrained from pushing further. It was just a kiss-a small, sweet kiss. But it felt like so much more.
As Rebecca exhaled another sigh, I reluctantly pulled away. Both of us were breathless, our hearts pounding in sync. Her flushed cheeks and slightly swollen, reddened lips bore witness to the intensity of our kiss. Blinking up at me, her eyes held a gaze that stole my very breath.
They were warm and tender, but there was something more-a look of adoration that rendered me speechless. It dawned on me that this was the first time I had given her a kiss. We had shared kisses before, twice to be precise, but those moments had been selfish acts, driven solely by my desires and disregarding her emotions.
Yet, this kiss was different. It was a gift, given wholeheartedly. And the way Rebecca looked at me, in complete awe, softened my heart even further. For years, I had dwelled in darkness, devoid of emotions. I had shielded myself from feeling anything. But with just one glance from Rebecca, I was overwhelmed by a flood of emotions.
And that scared me. Every time I allowed myself to feel something for Rebecca, Herman’s words echoed in my mind-the notion that a man’s downfall lies in his weaknesses. I couldn’t forget what I had told Lynda. This was not about me; it was about Rebecca and what was best for her.
I released my grip on her, stepping back to create some distance between us. Surprise flickered across her face as she blinked, realizing that I was intentionally letting go. Determined not to dwell on the moment, I turned away from her, avoiding eye contact with her bewildered expression.
“We should head back,” I stated firmly, my voice lacking any hint of vulnerability.
Her response came as a whisper, tinged with a hint of sadness. “Okay.”
Silent, both of us embarked on the journey back to the mansion. The sound of rushing water gradually faded as we drew nearer, until it eventually vanished completely. Breaking through the forest’s threshold, I inhaled deeply as we entered the tranquil back garden. Rebecca followed closely behind, her footsteps almost causing her to stumble over mine. As we stepped inside, I slowed down and pivoted to face her.
Coming to a halt, she nervously clutched at the hem of her dress. “I’ll see you later,” I muttered. Rebecca nodded in response, choosing to leave without uttering a single word.
Confusion creased my brow as I observed her heading towards the kitchen. Reacting swiftly, I reached out and seized her elbow, halting her progress. Surprise registered on her face as she gasped, pivoting around to meet my gaze with wide eyes. “Where are you going?” I demanded, relinquishing my grip on her arm.
“To the kitchen,” Rebecca replied matter-of-factly.
Crossing my arms, I leveled her with an intense stare. “Why?” I pressed, seeking an explanation.
She tilted her head to the side, seemingly contemplating what to divulge. “To help Lynda and Nona,” she eventually answered.
“You’re supposed to be resting, Rebecca. No work for you,” I stated firmly.
“But I’ve been resting for three days now. I feel fine, I can work,” she pleaded, her voice tinged with frustration.
“No,” I asserted, my tone unwavering.
“But it’s so boring. I want to help,” she persisted.
“No, Rebecca. You’re going upstairs to rest,” I insisted, standing my ground.
“But-”
“No. Stop arguing,” I interjected, my patience wearing thin.
Her mouth snapped shut, and she recoiled slightly, a shadow of sadness replacing her once beautiful smile. I disliked seeing her in such a dejected state. Frustration coursed through me, causing me to run my fingers through my hair while averting my gaze. Damn it.
“Fine. You can go, but don’t overexert yourself. You don’t want to reopen those stitches,” I relented, reluctantly allowing her to proceed.
As I turned around, I caught a glimpse of her staring at me with sparkling green eyes, a breathtaking smile gradually illuminating her lips. “Thank you,” she expressed gratefully before swiftly departing. I remained frozen in place, my eyes fixated on her retreating figure.
Damn it. I was losing control.