"Good." I glanced down at my half-empty bowl, the delicious broth still steaming, a comforting warmth that contrasted with the tension simmering nearby. I could feel the weight of the conversation, heavy as if it were a tangible thing hanging in the air. My husband's dark eyes flicked to me, concern knitting his brow, and for a moment, I felt caught between the subtle undercurrents of their talk.
Geez, what is this, and why do they not wait until I finish my meal? Ah, I feel as though I'd have indigestion!
Father-in-law continued, oblivious to my discomfort, his voice steady and commanding. "She will be happy to see you."
I wanted to roll my eyes; it was strange when this man talked in a gentle tone to me.
No, not strange; scary. Look at those dark blue-grey eyes looking at me gently. In fact, I was inwardly fan-girling to death.
Ah, father-in-law, please don't look at me like this!
Trying hard not to gulp down my food, I took a few sips of the tea that appeared beside me, rose, thanked both of them politely, and escaped.
Of course, only I was aware that I was running. My usual pace for walking was far from what I desired; I wished to move with the speed and grace of the wind, but my legs seemed to have their own ideas.
I quickly grabbed my fanny pack and slung it across my body in a cross-body style for convenience. With determination, I made my way into the guest bathroom downstairs, making sure to close the door securely behind me so that I could have a moment of privacy. Once inside, I took a moment to release a loud breath, letting the tension of because of what just happened escape me.
After taking a few steps to cover the short distance to the sink, I rinsed out my mouth thoroughly, brushed my teeth with care, and gargled using one of the small packets of mouthwash that I typically kept stashed in my bag for such occasions. My teeth need to be clean and my breath pineapple-scented fresh!
As I stood in front of the mirror, I perused the reflection of my face, making sure it looked presentable and decent enough for the occasion ahead. I also checked my phone to confirm that Baisti was indeed on the way with the hat, shades, and mask that I had requested. Satisfied with my appearance and the confirmation of my manager's arrival, I finally walked out of the bathroom, feeling a little more prepared for whatever was to come next.
With my head still lowered, preparing to take my leave, my dog husband suddenly appeared before me. My eyes narrowed subconsciously, taking a step back. You can't blame me; this man always makes me tired, but will this male dog let me go?
Of course not!
Like a flesh and blood scourge brought to life like a nightmare, he enveloped me in his powerful arms, causing me to lean on that solid sculpted chest directly. "Wife, you are leaving me," he stated, his voice deep and resonant. I resisted the urge to tremble as his warm breath blew against my temple.
"Husband, I am indeed leaving you," I replied. I wish I was really leaving you, dog man! I finished silently. As he squeezed me tighter; tell me this dog man will not do anything where his father could see!
I stood there motionless, trembling slightly as I felt his warm breath fan against my neck, sending shivers down my spine, the panty I was wearing felt uncomfortable. I became instantly furious, Dog man! I roared in my mind.
"Wife, I don't want you to go," he said in an aggrieved tone, but why, oh dear great creator, why did he still sound so enthralling?
Gathering all the courage I could muster and trying my best to disregard the sensation of my slightly damp panties, I took a deep breath and started to formulate a response, preparing to offer some insincere excuse that didn't really hold any weight but was still convincing enough for him to release me. "Husband, you know—" but before I could finish my thought, the dog man pressed his large hand against my mouth and chin, forcibly silencing me. His muscular form pressed against my entire back, an immovable presence encasing me. "You know all of my secrets; I adore you. The very reason I draw breath each day is because of you. Everything I do, every action I take, is solely for the purpose of ensuring you have a home filled with endless comfort and warmth." Subconsciously, I found myself leaning back further into him hearing those words, instinctively exposing my throat to him, my hands falling limp at my sides as I absorbed his heart-felt words and the harsh rhythm of his breathing.
This dog man in that life, abandoned our child. If after saying this he abandons me again, I will never look back! His free hand began to trace upward, moving along my exposed throat with deliberate slowness, gripping softly yet possessively as if to emphasize the depth of his feelings.
"Wife, I want you to know that I will never abandon you for another," he whispered softly, his warm breath tickling my skin as he traced light kisses along the length of my cheek and the exposed curve of my neck. Each tender peck ignited a blend of comfort and longing within me. "Wife, I dream of you carrying our children one day, "his hand imprisoning me moved to cover my flat stomach with an extremely thin outline of muscle. "A beautiful daughter who embodies all the happiness we could ever wish for. She is a little padded jacket that can—" He spoke with a voice that was a blend of deep longing and genuine love, conveying emotions that resonated profoundly. However, I didn't give him the chance to complete his thought, as out of nowhere, I pulled away from him, overwhelmed and struggling with a storm of emotions that threatened to consume me. My heart thumped painfully in my chest, beating so rapidly that it felt as though it might burst from the strain. He stepped forward, his eyes conveying concern, but unable to formulate a response, I bowed my head, feeling the weight of unsaid words. My vision blurred unexpectedly, and as I raised my trembling hand to touch my eyes, I was shocked to realize they were wet with tears. I was crying, a mix of joy and heartache spilling over as I grappled with the intensity of my feelings.