Chapter 5 Genuine care

I subconsciously press her tightly against my chest and find myself running my hand down her back. Her skin is smooth, silky, and warm.

‘Fuck.’ I stifle a groan.

The darkness compels me to explore her curves. My mind is no longer under my control. I no longer know what I wish to do or don’t want to do. My conscience is muddled.

I don’t hesitate to take advantage of the situation to rub her sides and back.

‘Shit.’

My crotch is getting tighter. My erection is aching to be freed. All I want to do is kiss her hard, pin her against the wall, and make crazy love with her.

Wild imaginations and erotic scenes cross my mind, and I am fully aroused. I want her so badly.

My touch on her back becomes lighter. I am literally stroking her sides. My breathing is becoming more rapid and audible. It is getting increasingly harder to control myself.

I am hot and want to get rid of my clothes. I want to feel her skin against mine.

‘Fuck, man… control,’ I remind myself.

Fear has caused her to tremble and cling to me. Instead of comforting her, I am thinking of having sex with her.

‘Shit…’

This is exploitation.

I hugged her and patted her on the back of her head. "Hey, don’t be scared. I am with you. The power will be restored shortly. I think we should go out."

I am surprised to hear my own voice, which has become thick and hoarse from lust.

I release her from her arms, fearing I will do something to offend her.

She pulled me in closer and hugged me again, this time more firmly.

"Mm…" A low groan escapes from the back of my throat.

My erection is pressing against her tummy. I wonder if she can feel it.

"Don’t leave me," she begs, her voice breaking.

"I am not going anywhere," I assure her. My voice is barely discernible. "I am just asking you to go out of the bathroom. Shall we?"

I didn’t hear from her. All I feel is her grip tightening around my waist.

She seems to be fearing that I will leave her.

‘Oh, dear.’

How am I supposed to assure her that I am not going anywhere?

Perhaps she is not understanding what I am saying.

I lift her in my arms and carry her out. I gently put her on the bed.

"Stay here. Let me light a candle."

I try to get out of bed, but she squeezes my shirt harder as if her life depends on it.

"Stay with me," she says in a hushed tone.

I cannot leave her in this situation. So, I lay down beside her and wrap my arm around her waist.

"Calm down, now. No one is going to hurt you, okay?" I comfort her and put my hand on her back to soothe her. My fingers are itching to stroke her back, but I restrain myself.

I suppressed my desire with great difficulty.

My erection is throbbing with the desire to feel her. If my fingers move on her body, I will lose the last bit of control that is holding me back.

We hold each other silently in our arms.

She is no longer shaking, indicating that her fear has subsided. But I'm still curious about what makes her so afraid in the dark.

The power returns just as I open my mouth to ask her. Her flawless milky white skin is the first thing I notice. I can't stop admiring her curvy figure.

Another wave of sensations washed over me, hardening my erection.

Molly’s POV…

I sigh with relief, the fear leaving my heart. However, this relief does not last long.

I am actually in his arms, and my hands are squeezing his shirt so tightly that wrinkles will appear on his ironed shirt.

‘Ep…’ I stifle a cry, my fingers pressing against my lips.

His eyes are scanning my body.

I blush furiously.

My God… where to hide?

I can't find a place to hide in this brightly lit room, on this bed, or in his arms.

I can feel the heat radiating from her face. I don't need to look in the mirror to see how red I am. My fingers are freezing, and chills are spreading up my spine.

I shudder, not from fright this time, nor from cold either. The rising hormone level in my blood is to blame.

I lock my eyes with his, flutters filling my tummy. When I remember how he has comforted me, I feel the warmth.

His concern seemed so real. The affection I noticed in his eyes also seemed genuine. It raised a question in my mind if he really cared about me. Do I matter to him?

Although I am not sure, it is true that his comforting words and his warm embrace eased me. I was able to calm down because he was with me. He could have left, but he didn't.

My heart is racing with newfound hope. I am daring to hope for the continuation of this marriage.

‘Is it possible?’

Buzz-Buzz…

The vibration of his phone put the brakes on my racing mind.

I break the eye contact and move back, pulling the blanket over myself.

"Ruby, are you okay?"

This is it.

Ruby again.

Bitterness rose in my throat. The hope and excitement that just emerged in my mind vanished instantly.

His love and concern are solely for Ruby. What a fool I am to expect anything from him.

He was ready to leave. It was me who hugged him, refusing to let him go. He was being a gentleman by not pushing me away and instead staying by my side to comfort me.

Embarrassment swallows me. I don’t know what Ruby is saying over the phone, but his worried expression makes my stomach clench. I suddenly feel nauseous.

My heart is shrinking. I cannot even lift my head.

'He is not mine, and he never will be.'

This cruel truth weighs heavily on my heart.

I move my gaze to the other side, fighting the urge to cry.

"I am coming."

As soon as I hear him say this, I bite my lower lip.

"Molly, I…"

"It’s okay,’ I interrupt him, trying to sound confident. "You are free to leave. The power has been restored. I'm no longer afraid."

His side is motionless and quiet.

My eyes move to the corners. I can see his arm through my peripheral vision, but not his face. I'm not sure what he's thinking.

Then I sense him clamber down from the bed.

Tears seep through the corners of my eyes unconsciously when I hear his footsteps leave the room.