As he drove, he likely felt a mix of concern.
He felt something was wrong somewhere, he has never seen Tamara in the state before.
Once they arrived home Tamara kept stumbling and swaying, struggling to maintain her balance.
As she stumbled into the house, her eyes locked onto her husband with a gaze that was both seductive and vulnerable.
Her words slurred, she beckoned him closer, her arms outstretched "You are very handsome, Come here…I need you tonight"
Axel taken back by her sudden advances, hesitated.
He didn't want to take advantage of her vulnerable state, despite her marriage being one of convenience rather than love.
As she swayed closer, she aimed for his lips trying to kiss him. He gently turned his head, avoiding her kiss. "Hey, let's get you to bed, okay? he suggested, trying to deflect her advances.
But she persisted, her hands grasping for him, her body leaning in. Before he knew it she sealed her lips to his. Axel felt a tender softness on his lips.
Their lips met in a sloppy, wet kiss, her mouth slack and uncoordinated.
Axel's eyes were closed, his face tense with restraint, as he tried to gentle her advances. Her hands wrapped around him, pulling him close with a strength that belied her inebriated state.
Her kisses were sloppy and insistent, her mouth moving awkwardly against his. He tried to slow her down, to gentle her, but she was beyond reason. Her hands roamed his body, her touch clumsy and uncoordinated.
Despite his reserve, he couldn't help but feel a spark of desire, a response to her unbridled passion. But he knew better, knew that this wasn't the real her, that she was lost in a haze of alcohol and emotion. He held back, refusing to take advantage of her vulnerable state, even as his body responded to her touch.
The kiss was a messy, drunken tangle of lips and teeth.
...
The next morning, Tamara woke up with a start, her head pounding like a drum. She groggily opened her eyes to find herself in her bed, Axel sitting beside her, his expression a mix of concern and awkwardness.
She tried to sit up, but a wave of nausea washed over her, forcing her back onto the pillow. "Ugh...what happened?" she croaked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Axel handed her a glass of water and two painkillers. "You had a bit too much to drink last night," he said, his tone neutral.
She took the water and pills, her eyes avoiding his. She remembered fragments of the night before - the club, the drinks, the kiss... Oh God, the kiss. Her face burned with shame.
The silence between them was palpable, heavy with unspoken words. She knew she had crossed a line, and Axel's reserve was a clear indication that he was uncomfortable with the situation.
"Sorry," she mumbled, her voice barely audible.
He nodded, his expression softening slightly. "It's okay. Just rest and recover today, okay?"
The awkwardness lingered, a tangible presence in the room. She knew she had to confront the situation, to talk to him about what happened, but for now, she just closed her eyes and let the darkness take her away from the embarrassment and shame..