You might not like the end.

Chapter 21.

I hope you no longer get nightmares.

~~~

With minimal distance between them, Rishit bent, placing his lips on hers.

Lima's eyes grew twice as big as she realized what was happening. Rishit was kissing her!

She couldn't response not at first, she was too stunned, paralyzed even. Her grip on the bottle tightened.

Rishit pulled away, looking into her eyes. It was an impulsive action on his end, one that he didn't regret but was sure embarrassed about.

He swallowed and licked his lips awkwardly, not knowing how defuse this situation now. He wished the earth could swallow him. "Uh."

Lima touched her lips, they were still tingling. "You kissed me." she somehow managed to breathe out.

Rishit looked down at his toes, licking his lips. The feel of her soft lips was sort of imprinted in his mind now. Oh how he wanted to feel them everywhere. But he couldn't, no, that would be wrong. "Yeah about that um-"

"Kiss me again."

Rishit's head snapped up in astonishment, his eyes widening. "Huh?"

Lima placed the bottle on the floor and stood up, standing right in front of Rishit, the distance between them far too less for nothing to happen. She had thrown all her pessimist thoughts out of the window. She wanted this handsome piece of steak right now.

"Kiss me again, Rishit." She repeated, her voice low, dripping with a sensuous need, she wasn't aware she had.

Rishit looked into those black eyes and for the very first time he saw a glimmer of passion, of emotion, of carnal invitation. He didn't hesitate - not for a single second. He knew she was just as zealous as him, if not more.

"Gladly." He dipped his head, placing his lips on her.

It started slow, they were both a little apprehensive, after all this was the last thing they had both expected to happen.

Lima's heart was skipping beats, she could feel his hot mouth over hers, soaking her inhibitions. His lips felt soft against hers, she liked how they made her toes curl. How they slanted right against hers, as if made for her.

Rishit's hand wrapped around her waist, pulling her body close to his, not leaving any space between their errant bodies. The other hand grabbed the back of her neck, tilting her head as he continued to devour her.

She lifted her arms, wrapping them around Rishit's neck. Eyes fluttered close, lips moved in sync, softly, skillfully. Like they had all the time in the world.

They were tasting each other, the sweet torture to kiss for many months had just unwrapped itself, and neither wanted to hurry. They wanted to take their time as they admired the gift.

Lima's teeth grazed against his lower lip and that's when it all went from sweet to sensual.

It became a hungry kiss, an obsessive one. It was as if all the oxygen they needed was in each other's mouth. They kissed each other hungrily, breathlessly.

Rishit's fingers slowly pulled at the tight bow on her bathrobe, letting it fall open. His fingers brushed against her bare skin, making Lima gasp. His warm touch was contradictory to the cool air nibbling her skin. She welcomed the touch.

Her fingers entangled into his hair, pulling at them. Her back arched and her chest pushed into his, silently begging for more.

Rishit lips trailed down her neck, creating a havoc on her body. Her head tilted to the side, giving him more space. The electricity that zinged through her veins was proof that this wasn't a dream. Every fiber in her body was on fire and she was ready to burn. The air around them sizzled as bare skin made contact, their breaths turning into gasps of pleasure.

Her long nails slid down his taut back. He parted her legs with his knee, letting it rest there, teasing her, making her crave more.

His teeth lightly grazed against her neck on the vein that throbbed there. It send chills down her spine, an involuntary moan escaped her lips, pleasing Rishit.

He loved the reaction he got out of this woman who refused to show any kind of emotion. Here she was in his arms, desperate for his touch.

Lima pulled his face up, pressing her lips once again to his warm ones. Their lips parted and his tongue dipped into her mouth, caressing her tongue gently. His fingers skimmed along her bare waist, leaving goosebumps as they passed. They paused at the hem of her panties, his thumb brushing against the sensitive skin, asking for permission.

In response Lima tugged on his shirt, trying to throw it off his body. She was more than ready to make him hers, even if just for one night. To feel him on her, inside her, she shivered at the thought, her nipples instantly hardening.

His hands started to remove her bathrobe and that's when the loud blaring ringtone of her phone made them take a startled step back, drowning their passionate anticipations and shining reality on them.

Lima licked her slightly swollen lips, still a little dazed. "Um, I should-"

Rishit ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. "Yes, pick it up."

Clearing her throat Lima looked at the caller ID. It was Benny.

She didn't know whether to curse at him for spoiling a perfect moment or thank him before the moment escalated into something more.

She picked up the call. "Hey."

"I heard you aren't coming back."

"Um yeah. You know, because Helen is there."

"Are you sure that's the only reason?"

Her heart skipped a beat. "What else could it be?"

"Is it not the guy who's with you?"

Her eyes glanced at Rishit who was pacing in the room, rubbing his neck. Did he regret it? Did he regret kissing her? Was this all a mistake? She feared to know the answer to that question.

"It's not him." Lima said, wishing she didn't have to lie to Benny.

"I hope so. I don't like him."

Her finger touched her lips, she could still feel his touch on her waist, his breath on her skin, his kiss on her lips. With great difficulty she managed to say, "I don't either."

"Well, I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Yes. Bright and early."

"Goodnight."

"Night."

"Who was that?" Rishit asked as soon as Lima lowered her phone.

She dropped the phone on the bed. "Benny."

"Your childhood friend." The disdain in his tone wasn't missed by Lima.

"Yes, just a friend."

"About what happened-" Rishit started, looking away from Lima.

"Let's not talk about it." She replied, tying her close her open bath robe.

Rishit was stunned at that, he blinked at her in disbelief. "Let's not talk about the kiss we just had?"

Lima didn't look at the fuming face. "Yes. It was just a kiss."

"If you hadn't gotten that call you would be naked underneath me by now."

Lima felt the tug of arousal deep in her stomach, her lips parted and for a second she almost gave up, she almost considered stripping down naked and letting him take her to a world of pure pleasure.

But over the years one thing Lima Fox had learnt was how to control her feelings, her emotions.

"I doubt it."

"You are a terrible liar."

"Goodnight, Rishit."

Rishit couldn't believe that after their intense moment, she would pretend like it was a big deal, like it didn't affect her.

He scoffed at her, his lips twisting in hatred. "I knew you were a lot of things, I didn't know you were a coward."

Lima's eyes flared. "I am not."

He shook his head. "I need some air. You can go to sleep." Without waiting for a reply, he walked out of the room the door slamming shut behind him.

Lima breathed out, putting her face in her palms. She was scared that what she felt at his touch was more than just a mere touch. That the zing that shot through her could be something as horrible as love.

And when you spend your entire life hiding your old scars, you forget to learn how to avoid the new ones.

She picked up the bottle of beer and drank it all in on shot.

She glared at the empty bottle. "Stupid mind, if not for you, there would be a different kind of swallowing involved."

Rishit paced down at the hotel lobby, hands in his pockets and a furious look on his face.

How dare she pretend that it didn't affect her?

She was the one who was moaning, she was the one who asked for sex first.

And now she's acting like I am the one to blame? Like I am the only one who wants this?

His mind was a complete wreck, confused between going back to the room and ignoring her for eternity or pulling her into his arms and continuing right where they left off. He was sure his body would have loved the latter option.

Why did she have such soft skin? And those lips – gosh!

"Sir?"

Rishit paused his walking. "Yes?"

"Are you looking for something? Can I help?"

"No thanks." After a thought he corrected. "Actually yes, your finest and strongest drink please."

She's going to pay, might as well get my revenge this way.

"Right this way Sir." The hotel staff guided him to their bar.

It was after three hours that Lima woke up to the sound of banging on the door. She tied her bathrobe tightly and scowled at the still empty bed, has he finally finished breathing some air?

She was shocked to see a staff boy holding onto the stumbling drowsy body of Rishit.

"Oh Gosh, is he hurt?" Lima asked in worry.

"No, drunk."

"Huh?"

"He drank too much."

Lima scoffed at the droopy eyed Rishit. "Well, isn't that awesome." She muttered in annoyance.

She pushed the door wide open. The man entered and dropped Rishit on his bed.

Lima smiled. "Thank you."

The man bowed. "This is not my concern but he kept mumbling about harming a witch, is he a ghostbuster or something?"

Lima clicked her tongue, a little amused. "I am the witch."

The man was even more confused.

"It's nothing. He's just pissed because we didn't have sex."

"Oh domestic violence? Should I report?" the man seemed genuinely concerned.

"No no, nothing like that. He wouldn't harm a bee, trust me." Lima assured the man.

He didn't look too reassured. "If you say so."

"Thank you again."

She shut the door behind the man, staring at the half asleep drunk man on the bed and heaved out a frustrated breath.

"For someone who didn't want to drink, you don't listen to your own words, do you?"

She removed his shoes and socks and struggled to push his legs under the blanket.

"Damn you are heavy." She grumbled.

"Woman in Black?"

Lima froze at the whisper. She cautiously looked at Rishit, his eyes were half open.

"Lima." She corrected.

Rishit shook his head. "Woman in black." He insisted.

Despite the dire situation, she smiled. "Okay, lemon cheesecake."

Rishit smiled in his drunken state. "I love it when you call me that. It makes me feel special."

Lima pressed her lips, a faint blush covering her cheeks. "Go to sleep, you are really drunk."

"I drank because of you."

She stared at the raw dejected look on his face. The pang of guilt hit her harder than expected. "I know. I am sorry."

"Am I special?"

"Huh?"

"Do you think I am special? Or am I just someone who's a passing memory to you?"

Her lips parted, her heart twisted at the question. He still remembered how she had called him a passing memory weeks ago. "You-uh." Their kiss popped into her mind and it made her answer easier. "You are special."

The smile that Rishit gave in response was enough for delight to rush through Lima's veins.

"I knew it." He smiled, his eyes dropping shut. "Which why I wish I didn't have to kill you." And then Rishit was asleep.

Lima blinked at the last sentence. "Kill me?"

But there was no response.

Lima covered him with the blanket, his words ringing in her brain.

She sat on the bed looking at his peaceful face, she couldn't help but stare at him. His eyelashes, his nose, his cheekbones, his lips, his jawline, everything – she wanted it all for herself.

And that thought scared her because she didn't want it just for one night, no, she wanted it forever.

"I guess he must really be mad to think of killing me." Lima muttered under her breath. "Just because I didn't want to talk about the kiss he wants to kill me?" She sighed heavily, going into her blanket and drifting off to a dreamless slumber.

The next morning she woke up to the fragrance of coffee. She groaned and opened her eyes sluggishly, stifling a yawn.

"Rishit?" She blinked as she saw him, fully dressed and eating breakfast.

He ignored her, not even sparing a glance.

She looked at his plate. There were two cups of coffee and two plates of fruits and bread.

"Is that for me?"

No reply.

She sighed in frustration. "Are you ignoring me?"

He certainly was.

"How is your hangover?"

He continued to sip his coffee, his eyes staring straight ahead at the wall.

Lima shook her head in resignation. "I'll freshen up." she muttered and walked into the washroom, locking it behind her.

Rishit glared at the shut door. "That woman wanted to have sex and now she's locking doors. Did she do a Ph.D. on how to use mood swings?"

Lima came out after some minutes, dressed in yesterday's clothes, a towel in her hand. "Are you done ignoring me?"

Rishit shrugged a shoulder. "Are you done talking to me?"

Lima threw the towel on the bed in exasperation. "What is wrong with you? I should be the one pissed off. You came back drunk last night."

"And how does that matter to you?" Rishit's eyes were challenging.

"You said you didn't want to drink."

"And you said you wanted to have sex."

Lima scoffed. "Is this about me saying no to sex? Why? Because no woman has said no to you and it hurt your fragile ego?"

"Do you really think this is about that?"

"Then what is it about?"

"I can't believe after all this you still don't know me."

"What is this about Rishit? Explain it to me."

"This is about you not wanting to talk about your feelings."

Lima folded her arms defensively. "What feelings?"

"Exactly!" Rishit exclaimed. "You claim to want me and then you turn me down cold. You might not have feelings but I do. You can't just push people around according to your will."

"I never pushed you around. In fact I have been patient with you. Hell, I even let down my walls for you." Lima was stunned by that blame. "You are important to me."

"Then why don't I feel that's the case, Lima? Why do I feel with every step I take closer to you, I take two steps backward too?"

"How do I know that Rishit? Maybe you need to work on your issues before picking out mine."

Rishit paused, staring at Lima with defeated eyes. Lima didn't want to agree but with each passing second she felt like she was losing a war she didn't want to fight.

"You are right. I should focus on myself." Rishit smiled, a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Your coffee is cold, order another one." He turned around, walking towards the door.

Lima was breathless, her eyes watching every move with an unidentified fear. "Where are you going?"

"Out. Away from you."

Lima blinked furiously, sighing heavily. "Look there are no cabs going up the hill. I am not hungry, let's leave now."

"I don't want to be near you, I can't."

"But-"

"I don't expect you to understand how I feel but I hope you at least respect my decision."

Lima could feel the tear ducts she had shut, begging to open up, still she bit her lower lip to stop it from trembling. Her voice was merely above a whisper now. "How will you go back?"

"I'll walk."

"It's too far."

"That's fine."

"Take my car."

"It will remind me of you. It will make me miss you."

Lima swallowed hard, not knowing how to reply to that. She looked at her feet, controlling her tears.

Rishit ran his fingers through his hair, messing it up even more. "I'll leave now."

She didn't look up, she couldn't. She couldn't watch him disappear from her sight. Was he really leaving?

She's always known goodbyes are tough, she's experienced them. And yet, she wasn't prepared for this, not by a long shot.

"I hope you no longer get nightmares." Rishit's voice was throaty now as if he was controlling his tears too.

Yet Lima refused to glance up. She was scared if she did, she would burst into tears and sobs.

"Goodbye, Ms. Fox."

And just like that, Lima felt her heart break, by hearing her own name.

The door to the hotel opened and she braced herself for the incoming tears and guilt. Her heart wanted to scream at him, beg him to stay next to her forever. But her mind knew better, they needed to sort out their feelings before jumping down this high cliff called love.

If you are to fall into this sea of love, you need to know how to swim, else you'll drown.

She expected him to walk away without another word, what she didn't expect was him to turn and drop a last parting kiss.

Rishit couldn't just walk away as much as wanted, he needed to feel her once again, even though he might regret it later.

He gripped her face gently, closing his eyes and kissing her soft parted lips.

Lima was frozen, her eyes wide with shock and her lips parted. But it didn't take her much time to respond back to the kiss. Her eyes fluttered close and she pressed her lips against his.

Frantically trying to convey the feelings her mouth wouldn't utter.

Their lips moved in sync, she felt alive, the familiar pleasure seeping in her bones. The rush of sensation crawling through her body was insane. It scared her. But she loved it. He kissed her thoroughly, covering every inch, kissing so deep she felt the tremors down to her toes.

His thumb brushed against her cheek gently and Lima felt wetness on her cheeks, she wasn't sure if it was from her eyes or it was his tears falling on her.

Before she could wrap her arms around him, bring him closer to her craving body. He stepped back.

"I had to do that one last time. I am sorry." And then she heard the door shut.

Lima didn't dare open her eyes, too terrified to find no one in front of her.

A tear fell first, a lone one and then as if the gates had been opened, others followed, escaping into the ruthless world. She could feel them streaming down her eyes, she didn't care enough to wipe them. Her chest heaved from the unbearable pain and her throat started to clog from unspoken screams.

Her feet were the first to give away, she fell down on her knees. Her lips were next, they parted and screamed from piercing pain. She cradled her face into her palms, as she sobbed like a kid who has lost all of their favorite things.

Only if my heart had been mine to break, to mend, to love. Only if I hadn't given it all to you.

Her shrieks were filled with agony, her gasps drenched in pain. Her lips trembled and her heart whimpered.

If this is what a heart break feels like, she didn't want to have a heart.

Rishit wiped away his tears, leaning his head on the wall. His eyes were blood red and his handkerchief all wet.

The second he stepped out of that hotel room he regretted it but he couldn't see another option, he couldn't see another way out.

His heart felt heavy and there was a wrenching pain in his stomach but he choose to ignore it.

With shaky hands he took out his phone and typed a message.

'Hi, I have been fired from Lima's project. I can't live in her castle anymore so I can't do what you asked. Sorry.'

He didn't wait for a reply, he turned off his phone and left the hotel in a hurry.

He had a flight to catch back home.

The End.

~~

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