(Chapter 3)

Syha

Morning light peering in through the windows and showering the grey walls in a warm glimmer wakes me up. The first thing I feel is the weight pressed to my side. I jolt on my side and my breath catches in my throat as I realize Araan is snuggling into me with his arms around my torso.

All kinds of animals and birds flutter inside my heart at the close proximity and hesitantly, I raise my hand and touch his face. Breathing out a sigh of relief that his skin doesn't feel as warm anymore though his cheeks are still flushed from the residue of a fever.

Subconsciously in his sleep, Araan nuzzles into my hand and hums something unintelligible, making me smile softly.

A familiar ache forms in the depth of my chest at the anticipation that it all would end when he wakes up. So, I savor the moment, wanting it to last as much longer as possible. Turning on my side slightly, I continue to trace his face with my fingertips. His brows, long lashes, high cheekbones and the light stubble on his punctuated jawline. My thumb stops over his pink lips, pressing a little on the soft flesh and gaze zeroes in on them.

Deep sense of longing surges through me, suddenly desperate to have a feel of them on my own. To touch them with my lips and a have taste of them. My heart hammers loudly in my ears and fighting against my coherent mind, I lean closer and brush my lips to his. Knowing this is the most I'd ever get and it as well may be the last time our lips touch.

My eyes flutter close and I inhale sharply, bathing in the soft press of his lips and letting the feeling wash over me till that's the only thing I can ever feel. Carving it to my memory.

Not wanting to disrupt his privacy any longer, I slowly begin to pull away, reluctantly and fighting with my own emotions. But before I can even make a mere inches distance between us, a firm hand grabs the back of my neck and the same addicting pair of lips are pressing on mine in another kiss, a deeper and passion-filled one this time.

Letting out a surprised yelp, my eyes widen but then fall shut on the next second as my brain comprehends what's happening.

My husband's kissing me.

My posture relaxes, one hand fists the front of his shirt and the other goes up to his soft, curly hair as he kisses me deeply, ardently and sensually. There's need, desire and longing in the way he moves his lips against mine. I open my mouth wide, allowing our tongues to brush and elicit soft sighs from our sealed lips.

Araan's hand begins its wandrous journey down my body, his hand warm and big as it slides down to my shoulder, lingering briefly on my chest then to my stomach where he pushes the silk to the side to touch my bare skin.

Breath hitches and heart jumps in my throat when I feel his hand on my skin, tingles shooting up from the touch. His fingertips trace small patterns and my stomach contracts from the sensations. All the while our lips move messily, hotly and slowly, as if both of us are just taking the time to just savour each second and each taste, our tongues leisurely rubbing together and I can feel drool dribbling down my chin, but I could care less about that when my husband's fucking kissing me like the perfectionist he is.

We just lay there, kissing and sucking each other's mouth, lazy and warm, not in any hurry to return to the real world. We pause between the kisses to breathe but don't take long to reconnect again and again, not wanting to stay apart for too long now that we have got the taste.

Araan's hand still wanders around my stomach, not going up or down. Despite my whole body screaming for his lustrous touches, I let him take his time. Not wanting to rush this sacred moment of peace. The only sound being the heavy breaths escaping our lips and the birds chirping outside. It's tranquil, and it's us.

When our lips are swollen and wet, lungs gasping for air and hearts so full it might burst out of our chests, we take a break and just lay facing each other.

"I'm sorry." Is the first thing Araan mutters to break the silence.

Instead of answering, I just rest my palm on his cheek, stroking my thumb below his eye and let him continue.

"I know I've been an asshole to you all this time. And no excuse is justifiable when I am the one who said yes to this marriage. I had no right to pull you into my misery and make you suffer for it. It's just- " He pauses and takes a small breath in, "There's some stuff from my past, that still haunts me. Prevents me from moving on or be happy. No matter how hard I try, I-I can't seem to leave them behind."

We share another long silence and I keep my quiet because I know he's not done and he needs to get it all out of his chest. So, I keep my patience and continue to stroke his cheek in a way of providing him comfort through the touch.

"I'm sorry but I can't tell you about my past now. I know you've been so patient with me, never gave up on me. I'll forever be thankful to you. But, please bear with me a little longer. Would it be too much to ask?" There's so much fragility and vulnerability in the way he asks, as if afraid I'd yell and leave, it makes me ache all over.

I lean forward and peck his lips again, tracing the seal with my tongue and he lets out a soft groan.

"I'm willing to be as patient as you need me to be, Araan. I'm in for the long race, love. I'm here and I'll continue to remind you that for the rest of my life if that's what you need."

His beautiful eyes fill with tears and without any restraint, he hugs me tight. Burrowing his face in the crook of my neck and hugging my stomach. I sprawl on my back as he goes on top of me and my arms wound around his shoulders as he tries his best to hide himself within me. The act's so adorable it draws out the widest smile on my face.

"Thank you." His warm breath fans over my skin when he whispers and I tighten my arms around him just a little bit.

"My pleasure."

We stay like that for who knows how long till he breaks it again.

"Syha?" Fuck, my name sounds so freaking good rolling off of his tongue.

"Hm?" I rub my hand up and down his back, eyes closed in peace.

"Would you like to go on a date with me?"

I thought my face would split if I grin any wider. "I'd love to."

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