Luther smirked. "Are you sure? If you're scared, say it now. You may not get the chance again," he warned, intending to scare her.
Nevertheless, Ciara simply tightened the embrace and nodded on his chest.
"I am sure. I won't regret anything."
Hearing this response, Luther did not restrain himself any longer and gently shifted her head from his chest, wrapping the other around her waist.
"Don't blame me for this," he muttered before pressing his lips on hers.
When their lips first touched in the wedding garden, it was like a match was lit in Luther's system.
He suddenly wanted more!
However, since he didn't want to overwhelm his new wife, he decided that he would give her as much time as she needed to warm up to him.
But, after receiving her positive response, he did not bother to control himself enough and kissed her passionately.
Ciara's mind was swirling. She was lost in the kiss that she almost fell, but for Luther's strong arm around her waist.
Never in her life had she experienced a kiss as magical as this. Unable to process anything else, she closed her eyes and let her emotions rule.
After a long time, Luther finally pulled away. Both of them were breathless, panting for air.
His blue eyes held Ciara's gaze with an unfamiliar flame— desire. It was like he was going to swallow her whole!
Ciara hesitated, feeling a warmth in her stomach. After a few seconds, she tiptoed, wrapped her hands around his neck, and placed her lips on his, initiating another kiss.
This time, Luther let her lead. Even though she was a poor kisser, he did not dwell on it. He slid his hands down and lifted her, carrying her to the bed that was covered in rose petals.
The couple slid out of their clothes as they kissed. After breaking away, Luther slowly lowered his lips on her body, kissing her all over and leaving love bites on her body.
Ciara had never felt that way before. It was a strange feeling. Yet, strangely satisfying. So satisfying she found herself wanting more.
After a while, Luther positioned himself before her entrance. Just when he was about to slide inside her, he felt something blocking his way.
In response, Ciara released a small cry of pain.
Luther quickly pulled back and away from the bed. His eyes were wide as he looked at the figure on the bed.
"You've never been touched?" he whispered, more of a question than a statement.
Ciara opened her eyes, unaware of what had happened. When she heard Luther, her face instantly reddened and she nodded.
"How?"
Ciara looked away. "Abraham and I… We never did it."
Luther went silent. He thought that since she and Abraham had been in a relationship for over ten years, they must have already gotten intimate.
But after feeling it for himself, he was surprised that she was untouched!
Ciara pulled the blanket and wrapped herself, feeling small under his gaze.
"Does it matter?"
Luther shook his head. "You should rest," he said instead. "I'll go take a shower."
Before Ciara could say 'jack', the man had disappeared into the bathroom. She was confused and laid back, waiting for the man to return so she could ask him if it mattered that she had never had sex.
While waiting, all the tiredness from the day came washing over Ciara and she eventually drifted asleep.
When Luther came out, he was relieved to find her asleep. He had deliberately soaked himself in a tub of warm water for a long time, hoping that she would be asleep by the time he came out.
After putting on a robe, he gently lifted Ciara's head and placed a pillow beneath her head. Luther properly tucked her into bed before positioning himself on the other side of the bed.
The next morning, Ciara woke up late. She was surprised to find out that the spot next to her had long gone cold.
She thought the man had already left and went to the bathroom for a bath. When she came out, it dawned on her that she did not have anything to wear.
Without a choice, she wore a robe and headed to the living room, only to find Luther casually sipping a cup of coffee.
As soon as he sighted her, Luther pointed to the shopping bag on the table. "I had a dress prepared for you. You can try it on to see if it fits."
Ciara bobbed her head and picked the bag, returning to the bedroom again. She wore the dress, surprised that both the size and the pale pink color were just right.
There was also a small handbag and shoes inside the shopping bag, picked to match the dress.
Ciara finished dressing up and came out. Luther was already dressed in a black suit and waiting by the living room.
"Shall we?"
Ciara shook her head in approval. "Thank you for the outfit, Mr. Atticus."
"Mr. Atticus?" Luther paused mid-step and turned to face Ciara. "Are you going to call me that forever?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of disappointment.
Ciara lowered her gaze. "Thank you… Hub—" she peeked up at him, seeing the raised brow and expectant look. "Thank you, Hubby," she whispered shyly.
Luther felt his heart swell. He unknowingly let out a small chuckle before clearing his throat.
"That… that should suffice," he muttered underneath his breath before walking out. "Hubby…" he added, just loud enough for him to hear.
…
Outside the hotel, a black car was waiting outside the door. A driver held the door for Ciara, greeting her with a deep bow.
Ciara responded with a smile and seated herself, wondering who her husband was.
When Luther sat and the drive began, she turned to him.
"Uhm, hubby, I've been meaning to ask. Where do you work?" she asked, unable to stomach her curiosity.
"What? Worried that I might be an assassin?" he teased, glancing with a faint smile at her.
Ciara shook her head. "I was just… you know, curious."
Luther nodded before responding. "I own a small business. Nothing big."
"Oh." Ciara nodded satisfied with his response.
Meanwhile, the driver could not believe his ears and took a quick glance at his boss through the mirror.
Did he just say 'small business'?
"Where are you going?" Luther asked after a while.
"Gray Industries," Ciara responded with a smile.
'Gray Industries? Isn't that a subsidiary under Peckham Industries?'