Ivana's eyes fluttered open, evening sunlight streaming through the window. Her body ached, a testament to the passion she'd shared with Keal. Hunger pangs gnawed at her stomach, and thirst parched her throat.
As she stirred, Keal's grip tightened, his arms wrapped possessively around her. His gentle snores ceased, and his chest rose with a deep breath.
Ivana's gaze drifted down, noticing Keal still nestled within her. A soft moan escaped as she carefully disentangled their bodies. Keal's eyes remained closed, lost in slumber.
Ivana rose, stretching her lithe frame. She ambled to the fridge, grasping a chilled water bottle. The cool liquid soothed her parched throat.
Next, she headed to the bathroom, seeking refreshment. The mirror revealed a flushed, radiant complexion. But her gaze froze on the telltale signs of Keal's ardor – bite marks and hickeys adorned her neck, breasts, belly, thighs and every curve.
Ivana's shock gave way to a loud shriek. Keal burst into the bathroom, alarm etched on his face.
"What's wrong?" he asked, panic creeping into his voice.
Ivana's trembling finger pointed to the marks. "What is this?" she demanded, a mix of surprise and amusement dancing in her eyes.
Keal's smirk spread, accompanied by a gentle chuckle. "It's to show you're mine," he whispered, his eyes burning with intensity.
Ivana's cheeks flushed deeper as Keal's lips brushed her forehead, a tender kiss sealing his claim.
"You're mine, Ivana," he reiterated, low and husky. "Every inch, every mark, every kiss – mine."
Ivana's heart skipped a beat. No words were needed; Keal's passion spoke volumes.
Keal's lips lingered on Ivana's forehead, his gentle touch calming her initial shock. As he pulled back, his eyes sparkled with warmth.
"Let's bathe together," he suggested, voice low and inviting.
Ivana's cheeks flushed, but she nodded, her smile unfolding.
Their bathroom transformed into a serene oasis. Soft music drifted through the air as they immersed themselves in warm water, suds and tranquility. Keal tenderly washed Ivana's hair, his fingers massaging her scalp.
As they stepped out, Ivana reached for towels. Keal enveloped her in a plush robe, his hands lingering on her shoulders.
"What would you like to eat?" he asked, his breath whispering against her ear.
Ivana pondered, her stomach growling in anticipation. "Let's order in. I'm too relaxed to go out."
Keal smiled, nodding in agreement. "Perfect. What's your craving?"
"Surprise me," Ivana replied, her eyes sparkling.
As Keal dialed, Ivana settled onto the couch, wrapped in the robe's warmth. He joined her, phone still in hand.
"Food will arrive in 30 minutes," he announced, pulling her close.
Ivana snuggled deeper, feeling cherished.
Their evening unfolded in harmony: laughter, conversation and the soft glow of the TV. Keal's fingers intertwined with Ivana's as they watched a favorite show.
The doorbell chimed, signaling the arrival of their meal. Keal rose, returning with a steaming array of dishes.
Over dinner, their banter flowed effortlessly. Ivana felt at home, surrounded by Keal's love and care.
As the evening drew to a close, Keal's gaze locked onto Ivana's. His eyes burned with adoration, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I love you, Ivana. More with every passing moment."
Ivana's heart swelled, her response a gentle smile.
Their lips met in a tender kiss, sealing their love amidst the quiet intimacy of their evening sanctuary.
Ivana's eyes fluttered open, greeted by Keal's peaceful face, his arms wrapped around her. The warmth of their embrace lingered, a soothing residue of a restful night.
As she gently extricated herself, Keal's grip relaxed, his chest rising with a deep breath. Ivana smiled, knowing he'd remain asleep.
She padded to the bathroom, the door closing softly behind her. Water cascaded, washing away slumber's remnants.
The melodic sound of running water stirred Keal. His lips curled into a gentle smile as he opened his eyes. Ivana's absence beside him was momentarily unsettling, but the bathroom's hum reassured him.
As the water ceased, Keal's anticipation grew. The door creaked open, and Ivana emerged, her hair wrapped in a towel.
Their eyes met, and Ivana's face lit up. "Good morning," she chimed, her voice husky from sleep.
Keal's smile broadened. He rose, his strides purposeful, and enveloped Ivana in a tender kiss.
"Good morning, beautiful," he whispered, his lips still touching hers.
Ivana's cheeks flushed, her heart skipping a beat.
As they parted, Ivana resumed her morning routine, Keal watching with admiration.
"You're stunning, even in the morning," he teased, handing her a towel.
Ivana playfully rolled her eyes. "You're biased."
Their banter filled the room with warmth, a serene start to the day.
Ivana dressed, her movements efficient. Keal observed, his gaze lingering on her poise.
"Would you like breakfast?" he asked, already heading to the kitchen.
"Coffee, please," Ivana replied, checking her watch.
Their morning harmonized,quiet conversation, steaming coffee and the promise of a new day together.
Ivana finished her coffee, her gaze scanning the room for any forgotten items. Keal approached, his arms encircling her waist.
"You're coming back here after work, right?" he whispered, his breath dancing across her ear.
Ivana's lips curled into amusement. "No, I have to catch up on work and visit my parents."
Keal's face contorted in mock despair. "I wish we didn't have to work, so you could be with me like this forever."
His lips trailed gentle kisses along her neck, sending shivers down her spine.
Ivana chuckled, playfully patting his head. "It can't happen like that, baby."
Their lips met in a bittersweet goodbye kiss.
With a heavy sigh, Keal released Ivana, his eyes lingering on hers. "Have a great day, beautiful."
Ivana smiled, her voice warm. "You too, love."
As Ivana departed, Keal watched, his heart swelling with affection.
Keal shook off the separation blues, focusing on his own workday. He dressed, grabbed his belongings and headed out, joining the morning rush.
Their loving morning exchange echoed in his mind, a soothing melody amidst the bustling city.
Ivana, meanwhile, navigated her commute, her thoughts drifting to Keal's adorable display. Her lips curled upward,in a smile.
Ivana stepped into her elegant office, greeted by her efficient assistant, Rachel.
"Good morning, ma'am. Welcome back," Rachel said, her smile warm.
Ivana's eyes sparkled. "Thank you, Rachel. It's great to be back."
Rachel's concern was genuine. "How have you been, ma'am? You've been through a lot this past month."
Ivana's expression turned reflective. "I'm recovering well, thanks. Keal's been taking great care of me."
Rachel's eyes lit up. "That's wonderful, ma'am. I'm glad to hear that."
Rachel briefed Ivana on the company's progress during her absence. "We've seen significant improvements, ma'am. Our marketing strategies are paying off, and sales have increased."
Ivana listened intently, impressed. "Excellent work, Rachel. You've been instrumental in this success."
Rachel beamed with pride. "Thank you, ma'am. We've worked hard to ensure your vision is executed."
Ivana smiled, gratitude evident. "I appreciate your dedication."
Ivana dove into her tasks, tackling pending projects and meetings. Her focus remained unwavering throughout the day.
As evening approached, Ivana picked up her phone and dialed Beatrice's number.
"Hey, girl! How are you?" You've been MIA, Ivana asked, warmth infusing her voice.
Beatrice's response was tired. "I'm fine, Ivana. Just busy with designs.
Ivana's curiosity piqued,"how about your weekend?"
Beatrice hesitated before replying, My weekend was....fine"
Ivana listened attentively, offering words of encouragement.
After the call, Ivana gathered her belongings, preparing to leave.
Ivana stood before her apartment door, her hand hesitating on the handle. Memories flooded her mind, transporting her back to the terrifying encounter with Leo, her possessive ex-boyfriend.
One month ago, she'd fled this very apartment, desperation fueling her escape. The image of herself, wrapped only in a bedsheet, racing down the hallway, still haunted her. Tears, fear and vulnerability – the memories lingered.
But Ivana steeled herself, shaking off the unsettling recollection. This was her sanctuary now, filled with love and protection. Her parents had moved in, ensuring she felt safe.
With renewed resolve, Ivana opened the door, stepping into the warm glow of her home.
"Welcome, sweetie!" her mother called from the kitchen.
Ivana's tension dissipated as she smiled, embracing the comforting familiarity.
The aroma of her mother's cooking enveloped her, a soothing balm for her frazzled nerves. Ivana's father, seated on the couch, looked up from his book.
"Hey, kiddo! How was your day?" he asked, his eyes crinkling.
Ivana's heart swelled with gratitude. This was her haven – filled with love, support and safety.
"Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad," she replied, hugging them tightly. "My day was good. Just busy."
Her mother's intuition kicked in. "Everything okay, dear? You look a bit troubled."
Ivana reassured her with a smile. "I'm fine, Mom. Just memories lingering."
Her parents exchanged understanding glances, knowing the scars Leo had left.
As Ivana settled in, her phone buzzed. Keal's name flashed on the screen.
"Hey, beautiful," Keal's voice whispered through the line.
"Missed you today."
Ivana's heart skipped a beat. His love and protection enveloped her, chasing away the shadows.
"Missed you too," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Their gentle conversation wove a soothing spell, calming Ivana's nerves.