61

[REBECCA]
The warm rays of sunlight gently caressed my face, coaxing me awake. Reluctantly, I resisted the urge to open my eyes, finding solace in the cozy embrace of the heat beside me. I was so comfortable, so lethargic, that any movement seemed impossible.
Absorbing the comforting warmth, I nestled deeper into its embrace, wrapping my arms around it. A sense of pure contentment washed over me, and I buried my face in the chest that lay next to mine, letting out a blissful sigh.
Yet, amidst the tranquility, a strange realization began to dawn on me. Startled, my eyes snapped open, ridding them of their drowsiness. I found myself gazing at a broad, solid chest, causing panic to surge through my veins. With a racing heart, I swiftly lifted my gaze, releasing a small gasp.
Artemy.
There he lay, sound asleep, emanating an aura of serenity that starkly contrasted his waking self. His features appeared soft, his lips slightly parted. I couldn’t help but smile at the sight before me.
Attempting to extricate myself from his embrace, I felt a tightening sensation around my hips. My eyes trailed downward, revealing his arm wrapped securely around me. I also noticed that my leg was draped over his, entwining us together.
A wave of embarrassment washed over me, and I cautiously moved my leg away, attempting to inch my way out of his hold. However, his grip remained unyielding. Defeated, I sighed and directed my gaze back to his slumbering face.
Raising my hand, I hesitated, allowing it to hover above his cheek. The notion of touching his skin, freely and without reservation, enticed me. It was a captivating image that lingered in my mind, and as I continued to observe Artemy’s peaceful countenance, I realized I could no longer resist the temptation.
Ever so gently, I placed my hand on his cheek, monitoring his reaction for any sign of awakening. Finding no response, I allowed my thumb to graze over the slight roughness of his stubble. Tracing his forehead, down his nose, and along the curve of his lips, my cheeks flushed with warmth. Tentatively, I traced the line of his jaw and caressed his cheeks, a smile playing on my lips. My fingers continued their journey, ascending until they met the few strands of hair resting lazily on his forehead.
My touch remained tender, delicate, while my heart raced with exhilaration. What I was doing felt forbidden, yet it ignited a thrill within me. The small power I possessed over Artemy, the ability to touch him so freely-it thrilled me to no end.
Above all, I found immense joy in the fact that I could touch a man without experiencing revulsion or being overcome by fear. With a contented sigh, I gently placed my hand on his cheek, relishing in the comforting sensation of his warmth enveloping me. As my eyes fluttered shut, I allowed myself to bask in the tranquility of the moment.
However, when I eventually opened my eyes, I discovered that his gaze was fixed upon me. He greeted me softly, his voice tinged with sleepiness. In response, I began to utter a few words, only to abruptly fall silent. Nervously, I glanced at my palm still resting against his cheek, biting my lip in anxious anticipation.
Oh no, I had been caught in the act. With my fingers twitching against his cheek, I contemplated retracting my hand. Yet, before I could make a move, he placed his hand over mine, securing my palm against his cheek. I gasped, finding myself captivated by his mesmerizing eyes.
A slight smirk formed on Artemy’s lips, causing me to instinctively lower my head in shyness as my cheeks blazed with embarrassment. Buried in his embrace, I could sense a gentle rumble emanating from his chest, signaling his suppressed chuckle. What an exasperating man he was, finding amusement in my predicament.
Attempting to withdraw my hand once more, I discovered that he held it firmly, intertwining our fingers together. Whispers grazed my ear as he spoke, “You didn’t greet me back. That’s rather impolite, kitten.” So, it seemed I had reverted to being his kitten again.
“Mm… good morning,” I mumbled, feeling a mix of embarrassment and relief. He laughed and released my hand, but when I endeavored to disentangle myself from his comforting hold, his arm tightened around my waist, refusing to allow even an inch of space between us.
Instead, he drew me closer until my breasts pressed against his chest, making every sensation known to me, including the undeniable evidence of his arousal against my stomach. Mortification consumed me entirely, and I squeezed my eyes shut, taking a deep breath through my nose in an attempt to compose myself.
“Rebecca, look up at me,” Artemy commanded, his tone leaving no room for refusal. I shook my head and buried it deeper into his chest, desperately seeking refuge.
“You know I won’t let you go until you give me what I want,” he teased, his words laced with playful intent.
When my silence persisted, he tenderly pressed his fingers against my hips, causing a slight shiver to run through me. “Hmm… or maybe you just want me to keep holding you,” he suggested, his voice laced with playful intent.
His words jolted me awake, and I instantly lifted my gaze, locking eyes with him in surprise. I stared at him with wide-eyed astonishment, and in response, a chuckle rumbled from his chest, his mischievous eyes twinkling as he winked at me.
“There you are,” he whispered so softly that it tugged at my heartstrings. “Don’t look away from me again.”
I nodded, realizing that looking away from him would be a futile endeavor. Artemy had completely ensnared my attention, and I doubted I could ever tear my gaze from his captivating presence.
As we continued to hold each other’s gaze, I sensed his arm gradually loosening around my waist until he released me completely. Taking a deep breath, I subtly shifted my position, testing my newfound freedom.
But as I distanced myself from him, a realization washed over me-I didn’t like it. I preferred being held, ensconced safely and gently within his arms. It was a conflicting sensation, leaving me torn between contradictory emotions.
Casting one last glance at Artemy, I sat up in bed, pulling the covers up to my chin and averting my gaze.
“You’re looking away from me again,” he murmured, his voice tinged with frustration.
I exhaled sharply, my annoyance surfacing, and turned towards Artemy, meeting his gaze head-on. “There,” I declared.
“Better,” he acknowledged.
“Why are you in my room?” I inquired, drawing my knees up to my chest.
Artemy’s eyes widened in surprise, as if he had just realized his presence in my room. He swiftly sat up, clearing his throat. “You fell asleep in the piano room, and I brought you back here,” he explained.
I remained silent, waiting for him to elaborate. I observed him nervously swallow, and then he stood up, clearing his throat once more. “I was tucking you in, but you wouldn’t let go of my jacket. I didn’t want to disturb your sleep,” Artemy grumbled, averting his gaze. “I’ll see you at breakfast.”
“Okay.”
Artemy’s eyes darted towards me, a silent message conveyed through the corner of his gaze. Without uttering another word, he turned and departed, leaving me standing there. As soon as the door clicked shut behind him, I collapsed onto the bed, my emotions overwhelming me.
Artemy had been my sanctuary, sheltering me from the haunting memories that plagued my mind. His comforting presence enveloped me, shielding me from the world’s harshness. Now, as I lay back on the bed, a peculiar emptiness settled within me. I turned to the side where Artemy had slept, yearning for his touch.
My hand caressed the vacant mattress, tracing the spot where he had rested mere moments ago. My heart raced in its familiar rhythm, echoing the dance it always performed in Artemy’s presence. Yet, my body felt weightless, as if floating on a cloud. Placing my other hand over my chest, I closed my eyes, searching for clarity amidst the swirling emotions.
What was this sensation that consumed me?
***
As the men settled themselves around the table, Lynda and I lingered nearby, ready to offer assistance if necessary. My fingers toyed with the hem of my black dress, and I shifted my weight, feeling a wave of nervousness wash over me. I hadn’t anticipated it would be this anxiety-inducing, being in such close proximity to Artemy while actively avoiding any direct eye contact. Though we were mere feet apart, it felt as if he were right beside me, his penetrating gaze fixated on my every move, searing into my skin and leaving an indelible mark.
“Rebecca,” Artemy’s voice interrupted my thoughts. He flashed me a teasing smile and gestured toward the basket sitting in the center of the table. “Could you bring this over for me?”
I glanced at Lynda, catching a glimpse of her concealed smile behind her hand. With an exasperated sigh, I reluctantly picked up the basket and approached Artemy. After he took a slice of toast, I was about to retreat, but his next words halted me in my tracks.
“Thank you, kitten.”
My mouth hung open in disbelief. I couldn’t fathom that he would call me that in front of everyone. Though his words were uttered softly, I silently prayed they hadn’t been overheard. Seeing that the others seemed oblivious, a sense of relief washed over me, and I let out a sigh.
Without uttering a word, I placed the bowl back in its original position on the table and made my way back to where Lynda stood.
The remainder of the breakfast passed without incident. Artemy’s eyes seemed to be fixed on me for the majority of the time, but I made a conscious effort to avoid his gaze.
Once all the men rose from their seats and departed, a feeling of relief flooded through me, and I finally allowed myself to relax. “Why is he so…” I began to ask Lynda, struggling to find the right word to describe Artemy.
“Infuriating? Annoying? Frustrating? Incredibly attractive? Sinfully sexy?” Lynda interjected, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
I shot her a glare. “The first three.”
“He enjoys teasing you, but I think it’s his way of getting back at you,” Lynda explained.
“Getting back at me?” I queried.
Lynda nodded knowingly. “For ignoring him before.”
“He’s absolutely maddening,” I grumbled as I joined Lynda in tidying up the table.
“I know.”