Chapter 15 - Kissed.

Regan looked at the middle-aged woman in front of him. He didn't know why he kept her alive, but he knew he could trust her. He had seen her on his journey, lying on the forest ground, looking dead and dirty. But when she saw him coming, she begged him to stop, and he did. He didn't know when he had become so obedient, especially to a stranger. He could see through her anyway. She had a known tendency for evil, and that made him wonder what she was doing alone in the woods.

He gave her some food and told her to eat while he went out to examine his horse. Traveling for three whole days without resting wasn't good for Amigo. He already looked tired and maybe hungry.

"Rest, Amigo. We are leaving soon," he patted his head and walked towards the strange woman. From the way she looked, he didn't know if he could leave her here to die.

Well, his wife only had a maid. Maybe he should take her as his wife's servant.

"Will you work as my wife's maid? Can you do that?" he asked, and she nodded quickly, muttering a "Yes".

"Good. Now let's go."

****

The night was dark, with a chilly breeze sneaking in through the window. I sat in front of the mirror, applying oil to my skin. Earlier, the guard had come to let me know that Regan would be returning tonight, and I couldn't contain my excitement to see him again after all those days of him being away. I have to admit, even if I don't want to, that I missed him so much.

I slipped into a beautiful white nightgown. I brushed my hair and added a hint of scented oil to make it smell nice.

I had to make sure that I will always be looking my best, since some women are interested in my husband. Finally, I stood up from the dressing table and walked over to the bed.

But would he even bother coming? It seemed like he preferred spending time with other women over being with me.

After waiting for what felt like an eternity, I gave up and decided to go to sleep. He wasn't going to come after all.

As soon as I closed my eyes, I heard the door open, and my heart skipped a beat. He was back! The door creaked open slowly, and his intoxicating scent filled the room before he entered. Oh, how I missed that smell.

I jumped out of bed and hurried towards him, wrapping him in a tight hug that surprised him, but he hugged me back.

"Maybe I should leave more often if I'll get hugs like this," he grinned down at me after we let go, and my cheeks blushed instantly.

"What took you so long...? I thought you weren't coming back," I said sadly, and he chuckled.

"What made you think that, Nora?" he asked, his intense gaze scanning every inch of my body, making me feel a bit uncomfortable. He shifted his gaze away from me and sighed, then headed towards the bed while I sat down, watching him remove his armor. He looked even taller, more powerful, and dangerously handsome in that attire.

"I thought you were still angry at me and decided not to come back," I confessed.

He smirked and looked away. "I was angry at you, but not enough to keep me from coming back," he said, and I nodded.

He went into the bathroom and returned later, dressed. His hair was still damp from the bath, and his scent overwhelmed my senses. I was starting to imagine things that were forbidden for a young woman like me. But I wasn't just a girl anymore; I was married, and it wasn't so wrong to have such thoughts when you're with your husband.

"Nora, would you like to go out?" His voice brought me back to reality.

"Huh...?" I asked, not catching what he said.

"I'm asking if you want to go out," he repeated, and my heart danced with joy.

"Yes... I'd love to go out," I exclaimed excitedly, like a little child getting their first taste of sweet.

I glanced down at my dress. I had almost forgotten what I was wearing, and there was no way he would let me go out looking like this.

"I should change."

"No, it's fine," he smiled and took hold of my hand, leading me out of the room towards the stable.

"Do you have a specific place you'd like to go?" he asked once we reached the stable.

I had never been out before, so I didn't know any places. "No, anywhere is fine," I replied, and he helped me onto one of the horses. We rode off into the dark night.

I had never felt so free and happy. It was as if my heart would burst with joy as we rode through the market and among ordinary people. Everything felt fascinating and incredible to someone like me who had never been to a market before. Then we rode past the woods, and I started to wonder where he was taking me.

After riding for some time, we finally halted in an open place. He helped me down, and I looked around. It was a river. We had arrived at the river!

He moved forward and sat down, while I took a step into the water. It was warm, and I had the urge to wade in deeper.

"You'll catch a cold, Nora," he cautioned from where he was sitting, before I even had a chance to consider going further into the water.

"I won't catch a cold," I insisted.

He gave me a look. "Okay, but don't go too far," he sighed in defeat. And without hesitation, I waded into the water.

****

He watched as she played in the water, a half smile tugging at his lips. She looked absolutely beautiful, as always. Her long, golden blonde hair flowed down her shoulders, gracefully drifting in the water. Her radiant fair skin glowed in the moonlight, outshining everything else around. In fact, she was the only thing he could focus on. How desperately he yearned to have her, to satisfy the intense desires that consumed his body and soul. The longing to kiss her, hold her, and explore every aspect of her body overwhelmed him. But he knew he couldn't. She was afraid of him.

He closed his eyes and let out a weary sigh. He didn't know how much longer he could resist the temptations she stirred within him. She was already driving him to the brink of madness.

****

This was so amazing... I thought, dipping in and out of the water. I couldn't be the only one experiencing these feelings. I glanced at him and noticed him staring at me.

I waved my hand, signaling for him to come closer, but he simply shook his head. I pouted, feeling a bit disappointed, and he smiled before getting up.

"If that's what you want."

He took off his shirt and moved closer, joining me in the water. My cheek burned, just from staring at his well-built frame.

"How does it feel?" I asked eagerly.

"It's fine," he smirked. I looked at him, and our eyes locked. I tried to look away, but whenever I gazed into his eyes, I felt an irresistible pull towards him. His eyes had a compelling effect on me. They made my mind wander and sent tingles down my spine.

He gently grasped the back of my head, drawing me closer, and my eyes widened. His face was only an inch away from mine. I could feel his warm breath against my cheek, and butterflies fluttered in my stomach.

"You're driving me insane, Nora," he whispered softly. I parted my lips to breathe, my heart pounding loudly in my chest, which made it hard to catch my breath. He leaned in, and gently, he pressed his lips against mine.