❇️Ｚａｉｎ❇️

Lying on my side, I stare at the sleeping Em who drifted off to sleep quickly after our wild romp. She's so beautiful sleeping, and I'm tempted to brush away the disheveled strands of hair sprawled on her face, but I trample the urge

I'm grateful that she's asleep because I'm not sure how our interactions are going to be from now on. I'm expecting awkwardness, but you never know when it comes to Em.

I almost can't believe; that she's finally mine. But my aching muscles are a confirmation that it really has happened. Two and a half years of restrained pent-up lust has finally been slaked on the one woman I've craved for just as long. 

I imagine her like this each night, in my bed, looking just as flushed. the thought of something beyond the weekend shakes me to the very core of my being. 

Fuck no, I can't be thinking of more than this weekend. After this weekend, I'm going to have to let her go.

What is it about this woman that makes me feel like such a fool? Why's she always destroying my fucking plans.

After what she did to me two years ago, I should hate her. Yet all it took for any kind of anger to disappear after we met again three weeks ago was an entranced look in his direction. She hadn't even tried.

And I've tried my best to kick her out of my life since then. Even a few minutes ago. My guts twist as I think of how furiously I took her. So little finesse and a whole lot of sexual aggression. Even while knowing she was a virgin.

For some stupid reason, I thought if I was brutal enough, that would cause her to grab her belongings the next morning and leave.

I'm such a fucking ass.

________________

🌼Ｅｍｍａ🌼

I

wake up to the sound of vague groans and huffs as I yawn, willing my eyes open. My mouth drops at the breathtaking sight that meets me; Zain is lifting heavy-looking dumbbells like a breeze, his muscles tightening and bunching with every flex of his arm. 

The rivulets of perspiration cascading down his body make it obvious just how long he has been working out. 

The man has a beautiful body that ought to be deemed illegal. He probably has several women lined up and ready to please him in bed. It's thrilling he's chosen me.

Without halting his movements, he tilts his head to look at me with what is the closest to a genuine smile I've received from him ever since I met him again three weeks ago. 

His motives for initially fighting against my offer are something I'm still determined to find out.

Sitting up on the bed, I wrap the mystery blanket around my nude body, not out of modesty, but because of the cold air. "When did you wake up?"

"About five hours ago." He shifts the dumbbell to his right hand and smiles at my shocked expression. "It's one in the afternoon.."

"What?!" I jump up, looking at the windows for any signs of pleading sun rays. 

I hear him chuckle, one that tickles my senses. Unlike the other sarcastic ones, this one is filled with warmth, and the fact that he no longer holds any grudge makes me happy.

"I'm only joking." His humour increases. "It's only eight in the morning."

I punch him weakly on the shoulder, the dampness from his sweat grazing my fist. "You jerk." And he winces in mock pain. 

I join in his outburst of humour, realizing that I like the amused, affable Zain more than I did the stubborn, disagreeable one. It's so much better not being at the receiving end of his scorn.

"Would it even be surprising if I woke up at five in the evening? I exaggerate. "I felt so damn sated and exhausted last night.”

He focuses his attention on me, a glint of guilt in his eyes. "I'm sorry."

I shake my head, seeing no need for his apology. Whatever happened between us was on mutual consent. I was an equal participant and harbour no regret.

"We're both adults, Zain. I knew what I was going in for when I accepted to stay. You didn't force yourself on me. I took part in all of it willingly and I regret none of it."

Instead of relieving him, nervousness washed over his features. "I guess you will be leaving today?"

I round him to his back and brush my fingers through his hair, feeling his body tense even more. "On the contrary Zain, the weekend has just started. The shoot is due on Tuesday, meaning we have quite some time."

He nods, but it is the look in his eyes that catches my attention. That careful veil over whatever he is feeling.. my chest sinks. I expected him to be happy, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

 "You don't want me to stay?"

Fuck, it never occurred to me that Zain's feelings for me could just be lust that will melt as fast as butter melts on fire. Our night of passion last night was obviously the fire. He doesn't even find me amazing enough to want to do a double-take. My heart squeezes.

He looks away, seemingly trying to escape my accusing eyes. "No...well.... It's...just that... No I, I don't mind if you stay.”

His ill-at-ease demeanor counters his words.

I decide I'm not going to give up just yet. "The condition that you issued two days ago required that I spend the weekend with you. And I'm here to stay until the condition has expired."

An awkward silence murders the room, leaving me fumbling within, not knowing what to do. Where is the enthusiasm that I'd felt from him last night as he'd made love to me? His mood swings can be so unpredictable.

Zain suddenly stares intensely into my eyes, a pleading glint in his, and I can swear that he has something very important to say. But on what seems like a second thought, he looks away and sighs, grabbing a T-shirt on the arm of the couch in the bedroom.

Then he trots out of the room, leaving me to wallow in confusion. His departure brings about an inexplicable feeling of loneliness and a vast feeling of emptiness.

But being alone is something I'm so done with. The determination with which I arrived at the cabin remains intact and my fortitude is strong enough to withstand his withdrawal.

I discard the blanket and change into a short pair of shorts together with a crimson T-shirt sans bra. My nipples feel tender as my shirt slides over them, my legs are a bit shaky.

My mind takes me to last night, the feel of Zain inside me, the movement of his skin on mine, the raw passion in his movements. Heat sears through my body, and I ache for him all over again.

I make my way to the bathroom and remember I forgot to pack a toothbrush along. Hopefully, Zain has a spare brush. There is only one brush and a toothpaste sitting sitting in the toothbrush holder mounted against the wall.

I contemplate going to ask him about one until a dirty thought occurs to me. My cheeks flame as I grab his brush, squirt some paste on it, and bring it to my lips. I pause.

What if he gets upset and thinks it's disgusting? Before the second thoughts can take over, the brush is already in my mouth.

Desire runs through my core. This feels so intimate, so dirty.

After I'm done brushing my teeth, I set out, determined to prove my stance. Except Zain isn't in the living room. I made my way outside, thinking he is around but I didn't find him.

Where has he gone without telling me? 

*****

Two hours later, I feel fidgety. I tried Zain's phone and realized he hadn't taken it along with him, and he hadn't taken his car so I knew he must be on foot around somewhere, probably in the woods that surround the area.

Unable to take it anymore, I finally set off outside, not knowing where exactly I'm going but hoping I will find Zain. The afternoon and the wilderness are relatively peaceful, some birds chirping whiles others whisper melodious tunes.

In any other case, I would've stood to admire the beauty of the wilderness, but I can't bring myself to do so in this circumstance when my brain feels so fried from confusion.

Why is Zain so hot and cold, wanting me one minute and trying to push me out the next?

The sound of running water becomes more pronounced. I follow the sound, suspecting that it's coming from a river. My suspicions are confirmed when I round a tree. The river is breathtaking in the way it glints under the morning sun and rushes on.

But my attention deviates immediately I notice Zain sitting at the bank of the river, his knees drawn up and his arms wrapped tightly around them. I sigh with relief.

He turns immediately at the cracking sounds my sandals make through the dry foliage, and his expression changes to that of shock as if he can't believe I came in search of him.

Forcing on a smile, I slump beside him on the ground. “Perhaps a little heads-up next time when you're going out?”

He spares me a glance but doesn't say anything before looking away again. I let out a sigh. An awkward silence settles between us. I don't want to call him out on his coldness in case it ticks him off.

But I have to do something to clear all this awkwardness.

“You cheat. Why didn't you tell me about the river?" I ask, getting to my feet.

Zain glances up questioningly. "Where are you going?"

"I wouldn't be able to have a good night's sleep if I don't swim in this river." I loosen the strings on my shorts, letting the material. "Won't you join me?"

He shook his head in a deciding tone. I refuse to give in.  "You better get up and strip before I push you fully clothed into the water." 

He remains seated without looking at me. An idea strikes me. I begin pulling off my T-Shirt, ever so slowly. During a striptease like I've watched in movies.

Since I'm not wearing a bra, I'm soon standing in only my panties. Zain's nostrils flare as his eyes run over my body, the heat in his eyes making me hot all over.

Swivelling sexily, I take a dive into the river, swimming to one end. The next thing I know, Zain has stripped with only his boxers left and has dived into the river. The river is cold despite the sun, but once Zain's arms wrap around me, the chill seems to disappear.

“Fuck, you sexy?” His palms run over my curves as his teeth nipples on my neck. “I could eat you for breakfast.”

But he doesn't. No matter how his erection presses against me while we frolic in the water, racing and kissing occasionally, Zain doesn't try to take it any further.

I'm a bit disappointed, but the fact that he's being so carefree with me in a way that isn't sexual is extremely thrilling. It means fucking me isn't the only thing he cares about.

Or am I looking too deeply into it?