In the Captivity of Temptation

49:Together

Milana

It takes a moment for me to think about what to answer. The question seems simple, but the way Andriy is tensed up in anticipation tells a different story. We both don't need extra words to understand that our future depends on this answer.

Yesterday, when he left, I spilled my grievances with tears and calmed down. I thought about what he said. And although I was still angry, I realized that I would have probably done the same if I were in his shoes. I sigh.

I inhale the intoxicating scent of jasmine and realize what he is waiting for. Andriy is asking me to give him a chance. In his own way. Perhaps harshly and without sweet words, but I love him for different reasons. And the feelings have not faded. No. Now they swell in my chest even more, trying to break out.

At some point, I realize that resentments and misunderstandings have already taken enough of our time. I want to be with my loved one and see that he longs for it too, so I hesitate no longer. I lift my gaze and meet his beloved turquoise eyes. I answer my friend, but my gaze does not leave Andriy:

" Yes, Ihor. He is the father of my child.

At these words, it seems reality ceases to exist. It's just him, me, and our little baby under my heart. Then a happy smile flickers across my beloved's face, and his broad palms land on my cheeks. He lifts my face and slowly leans in.

His sensual lips gently touch mine. Andriy seems to fear disturbing the moment, but I feel him holding back, not deepening the kiss. But I am also on the edge. His touches stir the feelings I tried to suppress during the months we were forced apart.

His scent fills my nostrils, and I greedily inhale it. I enjoy the pungent notes that emit a sweet pulsation in my stomach. I can't hold back any longer. And I don't want to. I deepen the kiss, passionately responding. And he seems to have been waiting for my initiative. His masculine lips ardently press against my soft ones, our tongues intertwine in a fiery dance, and we both indulge in these sensations.

I press closer, desperately wanting to be nearer. Ironically, the bouquet of jasmine flowers gets in the way. I break away for a moment. I smile and lower the flowers. Andriy’s hands, however, do not withdraw but instead gently stroke my cheeks, then suddenly the palms disappear, and I am wrapped in steel arms. I press my cheek to his sturdy chest, feeling his heartbeat loudly. Then he kisses the top of my head and leans down to my ear. He whispers in a husky voice:

" I love you.

It feels like at those words, the whole world freezes, and the earth stops spinning. I lift my head from his sturdy torso and look up. With a questioning, timid look, I meet those beloved turquoise eyes, as the intoxicating realization spreads like honey through my chest.

" Madly, " he whispers and kisses me briefly. " Irresistibly, " and another kiss on the lips.

" To delirium.

These words, along with the passionate touches of his lips, make my heart race, and my soul sings with happiness. But the idyll is interrupted by Ihor's acrid voice.

" So, that's your choice…

Reluctantly, I free myself from Andriy's embrace and turn toward the sound of the familiar voice. Dark eyes look with overt disdain, which makes me momentarily uncomfortable. After all, I expected more support from someone who until recently called himself my friend. Was that also a lie? And had he skillfully played the role of a friend from the very beginning to gain my trust, and tried again to approach? I ponder for a moment, then decide that now it doesn't matter, as the loved one is beside me.

" Yes, " I confirm and look defiantly, then feel the touch of my beloved's broad palms on my waist and calm down.

Ihor just nods, his lips pressed together in a thin line, and walks silently to his car. He gets in, slamming the door loudly, and the car is already moving.

" Jerk, " I hear Andriy's soft growl.

I turned back to him. Polyansky pierces the departing car with a venomous glance, then finds my eyes. I curve my lips in an ironic half-smile and look at my beloved with silent reproach. Now, who would be upset? Although I'd be lying if I said that his jealousy is unpleasant. Andriy, without a trace of repentance on his face, just shrugs as if to say, "So what?"

I chuckle and lay my head back on his sturdy shoulder, pressing my back against his sculpted chest even tighter, reveling in the sensation of his broad palm under my breast. Then I hear Andriy murmuring above my head:

" Darling, don’t be upset, but I won’t be inviting this specimen to our wedding, nor indeed to any other family celebrations, friendly or not.

Oh, not a statement but music to my ears. Just from that "darling," I feel like I'm floating on a cloud of cotton candy, and his words about such foresighted plans utterly sweep me off my feet. I nervously swallow saliva and turn back to Andriy within the circle of his strong arms. In a suddenly settled voice, I say:

" Polyansky, you know...um...such serious statements. One is better than the other.

But he’s not joking at all. He looks intently.

" And I'm not joking. I’ve never been so serious in my life," his jaw nervously twitches as his chest rises and falls with heavy breathing.

" You’re nervous…, " I say.. Then, slowly stretch my lips into a smile. " It's strange to see you like this.

He smiles too.

" You can't even imagine how strange it is for me," he rubs his hand against his day-old stubble, then smiling sarcastically adds: " A beloved woman mercilessly teases a poor man trying to offer her himself and a future together. " his tone suddenly turns serious.

" If I blame it on hormones, " would you believe it? " I rasp, still trying to joke. The corners of his mouth twitch in a hint of a smile.

" A refined manipulation, but it won’t work," he also rasps back, then adds in such a sultry tone that sweet shivers run through my skin: " I missed you, Milana. I desperately want you right now.

Mmm… I almost purr and readily offer my lips for a kiss. And this kiss, so sensual and sweet at once, makes my knees buckle. Finally, Andriy pulls away from me. Regaining his senses.

" Let's go, baby. Not here. Your colleagues have already had enough to look at. Let's not give them even more attractions, okay? " he winks, and his eyes tell what awaits us next.

But I know what awaits. Sweet. Passionate. Tempting…