[REBECCA]
I caught a glimpse of a mischievous smirk playing on his lips before he descended, capturing mine in a gentle embrace. My breath hitched in my throat as his soft touch brushed against me, and a sigh escaped me involuntarily.
Artemy skillfully maneuvered his tongue against my lips, patiently coaxing me to open up. With unhurried determination, he exerted a gentle pressure, and I gasped, granting him access. Our tongues delicately intertwined, each caress a slow dance that seemed to savor every fleeting moment.
This time, I reciprocated the kiss with newfound boldness, mustering all the courage within me. Kissing Artemy felt like a hunger I never knew existed, and I didn’t think I could ever tire of it.
His hand glided up my neck, finding its place just below my ears, while his fingers spread out, cupping my jaw. The other hand seamlessly weaved through my hair, tilting my head ever so slightly to grant him better access to my lips.
Placing both of my hands on his chest, I leaned closer into his solid frame, allowing his warmth to envelop me completely. In his embrace, I felt an overwhelming sense of security and an undeniable feeling of being desired.
Artemy approached the kiss with a patient tenderness, allowing me to take the lead. His tongue traced the edges of my lips, eliciting a soft sigh from my lips. It felt incredibly gentle, warm, and sweet.
His kisses intoxicated me, leaving me in a state of bliss. In a delicate move, he nibbled on my lower lip before reclaiming my mouth. This time, his kiss carried a hint of urgency, a demand for more.
And I willingly surrendered.
Both of us were left breathless when he finally pulled away. Artemy leaned his forehead against mine, struggling to catch his breath.
“I don’t think I’ll ever tire of kissing you,” he confessed, his voice husky.
Looking up at him, I found his gaze already fixed on mine. His eyes held a softness and adoration that stole my breath away. In their depths, I could sense his longing, his desire for me.
I was utterly captivated by his gaze. His hand shifted from my face to my hips, wrapping around my waist and drawing me closer, anchoring my body to his. My heart raced wildly, and his intense gaze weakened my knees.
He held me as if I were the most precious thing in the world. He looked at me as if I were the only person he could see.
In that moment, I felt truly beautiful.
“Artemy,” I murmured, lost for words.
He leaned down and planted a quick peck on my lips before stepping back. With a smile, he nodded towards the piano. “Go,” he urged.
A wide smile spread across my face as I nodded, quickly making my way to the piano, the flower still clutched in my hand.
Our eyes remained locked, both of us utterly captivated by each other as I ran my fingers over the keys.
Not once did I close my eyes. I never looked away from Artemy.
When I finished, I let my hand rest on a piano key and swallowed hard, suddenly feeling nervous and bashful under his penetrating gaze.
“Are you not going to perform tonight?” he asked.
“Oh.” I smiled and then rose from my seat.
I approached him, making my way over to where he sat, and came to a stop in front of the coffee table. Picking up my book, I held it in my hands and spoke to him. “I’ll read it. I’m currently in the middle of this one, and I can’t wait to reach the end.”
He chuckled, amused by my enthusiasm. “You seem really excited about it,” he remarked.
A smile formed on my lips as I took a seat in the sofa chair next to him. “I am,” I replied, settling into my spot. “It’s an incredible book.”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it,” he responded.
With anticipation in my heart, I opened the book, feeling his gaze fixed upon me the entire time I immersed myself in its pages. It was a constant struggle to resist stealing glances at him.
But I couldn’t resist, and I succumbed to that temptation multiple times. Whenever our eyes met, Artemy would break into a smile, and I couldn’t help but reciprocate with one of my own. My emotions soared as my heart fluttered, and a profound sense of serenity washed over me.
I wished to remain in this perfect moment, but then a yawn escaped me.
“You should go to sleep,” Artemy said, his voice tinged with longing.
“Hmm.” Closing my book, I leaned back, and Artemy leaned forward, gently brushing a few strands of hair away from my face. His fingers lingered on my cheeks longer than necessary, tracing a delicate touch.
His thumb grazed my jawline, and in an instant, he leaned closer. A soft whimper escaped my lips as he pressed them against mine, bestowing a quick, tender kiss before pulling back and releasing me.
I longed for his touch almost immediately.
Placing my book on the coffee table, I rose from my seat and stood before Artemy. Smiling down at him, I whispered, “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight,” he replied.
I bit my lip, feeling a pang of sadness at the thought of being apart from him after experiencing such an exquisite time together. Casting him a final glance, I started to walk away, but suddenly, an arm wrapped around my waist, drawing me back. I let out a yelp as I stumbled onto Artemy’s lap, my eyes widening in surprise as I gazed up at him.
He planted a quick peck on my lips, his mouth curling into a smirk. I couldn’t help but giggle at the unexpected gesture.
He inhaled sharply, captivated by the sound. Placing a finger at the corner of my lips, he whispered in utter amazement, “This is the first time I’ve heard you laugh.”
Shyly, I lowered my head and placed a hand on his chest.
Artemy gently lifted my chin with his finger, tilting my head up once more. “You should do it more often,” he said, brushing his thumb over my lips. “You have a beautiful laugh.”
Before I could respond, his lips claimed mine again, this time with an almost possessive fervor. He tugged at my bottom lip, seeking entrance, while his arm held me tightly around the waist and his other hand cupped my jaw.
The intensity of his kiss made my heart skip a beat, and I melted into him, lost in the moment.
As his kiss gradually slowed, I let out a contented sigh against his lips. His eyes burned with desire, his touch set me ablaze, and his kisses intoxicated me.
He consumed my thoughts entirely.
I closed my eyes and surrendered myself to his kisses and tender caresses, losing all sense of time and space.