Zemira

Sleep caught up soon after I left the terrace and didn't leave its hold till mid-morning.

It was only when the screeching sounds of the vacuum cleaner blared outside my door, I realized the time. It was half past eleven when I began my day, hopping in for a quick shower. After the jolt of cold water washed off any residual speed, I walked into the kitchen to service my rumbling stomach.

A note attached to a huge pale blue box greeted me.

Let's take this thing for a spin.

Shall we?

I tossed open the box, the translucent parchment covering to find a delicate satin dress in red with noodle straps. My finger trod lightly, feelings the velvety softness under my skin.

It was Leo's gift but the reason for such a grand display remained stuck in my mind. After much deliberation, I decided to put it to rest with a call. Leo picked up on the first ring as if he was staring right at the screen when my number flashed.

His tender voice aired into the speaker and breath hitched in my lungs.

"Miss me already, Zem?"

"You wish? Why is there a dress on the kitchen counter?"

"Oh, that." A gush of air followed. "Because dresses are a girl's best friend."

I bit into my lower lip, listening to his singsong words. Leo always knew how to make me laugh, even during times when absolute seriousness was required.

"Did I get the lyrics right?" His voice sprang up.

"If Marilyn Monroe was alive, she'd die all over again."

"Wait, what? I botched up the lyrics again?" This time, it was the seriousness of his tone that made me burst out laughing.

"Yes, you did. We can't have you screwing up speeches and lyrics, Leo."

"Won't you take care of it, Zem Zem, if I indeed screw up some lyrics?"

Hearing his honeyed tone whisper, warmth swarmed up my cheeks. The bass intonations to an already husky voice always drew my thoughts to our first encounter. Shaking them off, I focused on our schedule.

"I'll take care of it, right after I tell everyone how insane you are."

"Zem," as if he was contemplating his next words, Leo's voice grabbed my attention. "Be ready by evening. I'll pick you up by seven."

"Where are we going?"

"Someplace only madlings would go."

Reeling from the aftermath that was his tone or the image of his sharp eyes whenever he stared at me, was hard. The funny thing about the mind was its ability to remain stuck on something. No amount of binge-watching or eating could put an end to the uproar of giddiness I felt, every time Leo's face flashed in my mind.

By late evening, I managed to control my wanderings to get dressed for the mysterious occasion. The attire fit me perfectly. Staring at my reflection, I imagined Leo's reaction when he saw me. It left a smile on my face.

Just in time, the elevator chimed open and Leo walked in. He tossed his bag on the couch and some files beside it. As he walked towards his room, loosening the grip of his tie, his vision shifted towards my room. I leaned against my door, waving back.

"You... God..." He stuttered.

"I'm God?" My eyebrows hooked eyebrow.

"No." He waved his hands dismissively. "More like Satan's minion."

He winked and walked inside his room.

His quips eased my mind from the nerve-wracking topic of whom I may encounter outside the safety of the apartment. Since the interview, I remained in my hideout, hoping for things to die down. It was Kiera upon whose suggestion, I decided to venture out again.

It barely took Leo a few short minutes before he reemerged. Fresh as a newly moaned lawn, he smelled earthy and enticing. His tie matched the color of my dress, his tired eyes sparkled with a new light as if his bedroom invigorated him when he walked in.

He tucked my hand over his arm, rubbing his calloused fingers over my knuckles.

~

Outside the building, cameras awaited our exit like hounds. I felt lightheaded when the flashes blinded me. My stomach growled, warning me to stay vigilant.

"I got you." Leo's warm, reassuring touch balmed my flaring nerves. "I won't let them come near you."

The restaurant we arrived at was fancy. Why wouldn't it be? We were supposed to wine and dine in public in support of Leo's declaration. It was yet another charade but my ruse-partner made it feel real.

"Come," Leo gestured me towards a secluded corner that I always assumed was a path towards the kitchen.

"Am I here to cook or serve tables?"

Sliding his hand over my lower back, Leo walked me through the doors. Pots and pans clattered inside. The warmth of the area flushed my face. Lingering aromas wafted, ticking my taste buds.

He led me to a place far away from the cooking stations but still inside the kitchen. Warmth subsided with cooler air circulating, subduing the kindling underneath my skin every time he looked over.

With two chairs waiting for us and two servers holding its side panels, I could only imagine Leo's plans.

"If we sat outside, you would've been bothered by the cameras. So..." He tilted his head and I followed the lead.

Dragging a chair out for me, he nodded at the hostess who delivered a curt smile, walking away. Like a man experienced in waiting tables, Leo hosted as if he owned the place. Gently placing the napkin over my lap, he slid into his chair.

His finger stirred in the air, the hostess brought back the wine menu.

"Chateau de' Yquem," he said without looking at the leather-bound book.

My eyebrows touched my hairline. With his selection falling in the most expensive range, I leaned over the table.

"You don't have to go overboard, Leo. I can't tell the difference between wine and cough syrup."

"You're only getting the wine for dinner." His head bob confirmed our drink order. "I'll have the food. That way the bill would be fine."

He tilted a breadstick to make a point. When I bit into it, I noticed the greenish tint of his eyes darkening. His palms tightened around the sides of the table, paling his knuckles.

"How was work?" I moved on to less invasive topics and actions.

"It was fine. No bombs required diffusing today."

"Ahh. As opposed to..."

He chuckled. "As opposed to diffusing the Dave Benton bombs whenever he comes around to work."

Leo and his dad's turbulent relationship was splashed across the papers with funny captions. Though the reason for their dissent remained hidden, I assumed it to be the generational gap.

The hostess returned with the wine. Dark cherry red liquid danced in my glass. Leo played the part of a sommelier, swirling, sniffing, and sipping. He portrayed a very different role, one that had him smile more.

"Are you surprised, seeing me like this?" He asked, outstretching his arm to clink our glasses. My head bobbed in agreement.

The jeans and shirt spotting Leo had morphed into an epitome of poise and grace. His slick hair, ravishing smile, and confidence-tipped chin claimed me as its first victim. From the customers to our hostesses and even the chefs working behind the counters, everyone's gaze remained glued on this Adonis impersonator.

"Why don't you dress like this always?" I asked, only to realize the damage it did.

His smile simmered. His face crumpled up under the external force of my implication. My hand cruised over the table, intertwining with his. Leo looked up. 

His sharp gaze burnt me but in a way, anyone ever desired to be burnt - tenderly, with love.

"Not that the casual look doesn't suit you. But..." I began.

"But on occasions like these, it's better to just act, isn't it?" He peeled his hand off me.

When he looked away, I had the same feeling as anyone who accidentally broke an almost-finished puzzle. I played spoil-spot in an otherwise perfect setting.

"You don't have to pretend in front of me," I said, trying to divert his attention back. "Ever."

Maybe it was my words or my unyielding stare, apologizing for my idiocy but Leo turned to face me, resting his hand over mine. Strong currents of calmness washed over me. Peace returned to my mind with his touch.

Was holding someone's hand supposed to feel like this? I had long forgotten the feeling of contentment under someone's touch.

For the rest of our meal, our banter continued. When the check arrived, I pulled it to my side, only to be swatted over my knuckle.

"Ouch," I whined.

"That was barely a whiff of wind."

"Says the man whose one arm weighs as my whole body."

Leo looked over his biceps and crinkled his face like they were nothing. He lent his hand, peeling me off my chair. I grabbed our unfinished wine bottle, winking at the hostess.

"Sure about this?" Leo whispered, sinking closer to me. With my nod, he snaked his arm around, nudging me outside. "I'm harbouring a wine thief."

"It's not thieving if it's paid."

Alcohol lowered my inhibitions so being photographed while carrying an expensive bottle outside the restaurant didn't bother me. Nor did the stares from the customers around, who peered as if I took it without paying.

"Okay, smart-ass," Leo opened the door for me and I sunk into the warmed seat. "Let's get you home before you rob a bank too."

Our drive home had me blasting songs and chugging from the wine bottle. Sophistication aside, it was a sin to waste vintage wine. A sin, I forbid myself from committing.

"Careful." Leo held my spineless body erect as the elevator rumbled and chimed opened into the apartment.

We stumbled inside like drunkards, giggling and whispering in slurred speeches.

"You better catch me if I fall," I said, throwing back my head and sucking out residual drops from the bottle.

"Why don't you remove those bamboos you're balancing yourself in?" He pointed at my feet, especially to the part where my stem contacted the marble floor.

"It's not bamboo," I swatted his finger. "It's a Louboutin."

"Lobe what?"

"Gosh," I goaded, pulling his tie. "It's a brand."

My weight shifted, heels toppled. I dragged Leo with me, stumbling near his room.

Buried between him and the wall behind me, I felt his warm breath caress my cheeks. His knuckle travelled up the side of his face, cold, inviting, maddening. Closing our distance, inches from my lips, I heard my heartbeats drumming in my ears.

Ting Tang. The antique clock chimed.

Leo leaned back. I moved away from the wall.

Alcohol left hold of my senses. Earlier, when our proximity reduced, he took away my dark, intoxicated sense and filled me up with light. I was seeing him differently, feeling his touch tremble me in the most pleasurable way. His lingering gaze only melted me further. At that moment, even if he had asked for permission to destroy me, I would have rendered it.

Such was his power over me. Such was his power, always.

"I should go." Leo cleared his throat, pointing towards his room. In a matter of seconds, he disappeared behind his door.

Hugging the wall from the side, I felt its calming cold over my skin. Although I was ready to let go, Leo's prudent actions ensured we didn't travel down the path from where the return would be difficult.

One drunken night of recklessness was enough for us.

~

The musings of the heart are unreadable...

Vote and comment, if you like this chapter guys.

Let me know, would both of them hold onto their inhibition for long or would they just let go?