[REBECCA]
“Lynda burst into my room, her face contorted in a pout. ‘They’re leaving!’ she exclaimed. “Milandro said they’ll be gone for a few days.”
I straightened up, my eyes widening with concern. “Even Artemy?” I asked.
She nodded, her pout deepening. “Yeah.”
A heavy silence settled between us. I had seen Artemy last night, but he hadn’t uttered a word about this. Just the thought of being without him made my heart ache.
It had been a magical week since our first kiss in the piano room. During the day, he would whisk me away to the creek, and at night, we would spend hours together. He showered me with affection, stealing kisses as I read and pulling me onto his lap. I would rest my head on his shoulder while he played with my hair, and he never pressured me for more.
Those days had been the most beautiful of my life. Each passing day, my love for Artemy grew deeper, and I welcomed it with open arms. Now, the mere idea of spending even a single day without him left me distressed.
“How long will he be gone?” I asked, my voice filled with worry.
“I don’t know,” Lynda replied. “Milandro said a few days.”
I muttered a quiet “Oh,” my hands tightly entwined as I stared down at them.
Lynda stood up, a determined expression on her face. “Come on, let’s go.”
I looked up, confusion evident on my face. “Where?”
“They’re probably about to leave. Let’s go say goodbye to our men.”
Her words spurred me into action, and I rose quickly, my heart pounding as we hurried down the hallway. Descending the stairs, we spotted the men at the bottom. Avim and Brayden were engrossed in conversation, while Milandro leaned against the wall. Artemy, engrossed in his phone, looked up as he heard us approach.
Lynda sprinted down the remaining steps and launched herself into Milandro’s waiting arms. I descended more slowly, my eyes fixed on Artemy. A small smile played on his lips as I reached the last step, my nerves getting the better of me.
Shyly, I lowered my gaze and fidgeted with the hem of my dress. Sensing his approach, I felt a wave of anticipation wash over me. Artemy stood before me, his finger gently lifting my chin until our eyes locked. His gaze softened, and he spoke softly, “I was just about to come up and say goodbye.”
I murmured a barely audible “Oh.”
“Something urgent came up, and I have to take care of it. I’ll be gone for a few days.”
I nodded, my understanding clear. “I understand.”
Stepping down from the final stair, I positioned myself beside him. As Milandro dipped Lynda low and kissed her passionately, I dared to steal a glance at Artemy. He was already looking at me, his hand reaching up to tenderly stroke my cheek. His thumb brushed over my lips, and he whispered, “I’ll see you later.”
“Goodbye,” I whispered back.
“Goodbye.”
With a final lingering look, Artemy turned away and began walking. The other men followed suit, and Lynda came to stand beside me. A dejected sigh escaped my lips as I placed a hand over my chest.
As I watched Artemy’s retreating figure, my shoulders slumped, and a tightness settled in my chest. I already missed him.
In the days that followed, I realized just how much I relied on Artemy. His presence had become an addiction-a constant need. His touch, his kisses, his mesmerizing blue eyes, his gentle caresses, his smiles-every aspect of him was etched deep within me.”
***
[ARTEMY]
Three agonizing days had passed since Rebecca had been away. Each night, I yearned to be by her side. As I stepped into the grand mansion, a sense of relief washed over me knowing I would soon be near her again. Thoughts of Rebecca consumed my mind; I couldn’t help but feel overjoyed to finally be back. Glancing at my watch, I realized it was nearly two in the morning. A pang of disappointment struck me, knowing she would be fast asleep. Nevertheless, I ascended the stairs, whispering to myself, “Tomorrow.” Yet, as I reached the second floor, an inexplicable urge gripped me-I needed to see her. The mere thought of being this close to her without laying eyes on her was unbearable.
Driven by this longing, I made my way toward her room. However, my steps halted abruptly when I noticed the door to the piano room ajar. Was Rebecca still awake? My heart fluttered with anticipation, urging me to venture inside. Anxiously, I entered the room, but my movements faltered when I spotted her slumbering on the couch. However, it wasn’t her peaceful sleep that stole my breath and brought a smile to my face. Instead, it was the fact that she had curled up in my chair.
Approaching her, I stood before the sleeping beauty. A faint smile graced her lips, and her face exuded tranquility in her slumber. Bending down, I carefully took the book from her grasp and set it on the coffee table. Turning back to her, I slipped one arm beneath her back and the other under her knees, lifting her tenderly from the couch, mindful not to disturb her. She mumbled sleepily, instinctively resting her head on my shoulder. A smile spread across my face as I carried her out of the piano room.
Pushing open the door to her bedroom, I walked inside and gently placed her in the center of the bed. However, just as I was about to withdraw, something caught hold of my lapel, preventing me from stepping away. Rebecca’s fingers clung to my shirt; she was still lost in slumber. Placing my hand atop hers, I carefully unraveled her grip, although her fingers resisted, tightening momentarily before relenting. Throughout the process, my gaze remained fixated on her face. Witnessing her furrowed brows, I sighed and settled down beside her on the bed.
Leaving seemed impossible. Instead, to my surprise, I found myself lying down beside Rebecca. I encircled my arm around her waist, drawing her closer to me. She nestled further into my chest, seeking solace and warmth that I gladly provided. Her fingers curled around my jacket once more, holding on tightly. In return, I held her with equal fervor, finding contentment in our embrace.
Planting a tender kiss on her temple, I gazed down at her serene, slumbering countenance. I lay there, cradling her in my arms, her head nestled beneath my chin, for what felt like an eternity. Just a little longer, I whispered to myself. Just a few more precious minutes.