Chapter Two

It was like walking on a single string while being blindfolded on a rope above a sea full of sharks or maybe a river full of crocodiles. It was even hard to think what to compare with it, but one thing’s for sure, it was like leading herself to a grave Sierra didn’t even know existed in the first place.

Maybe it was still too early to overreact, but she couldn’t help but jump to several disturbing conclusions. Her whole body was numb with the image of a gun in her mind as she processed what she just saw. With her quick thinking, she began to remove every piece of her clothing. Maybe her distraught face would be the last thing he’d notice if he could look elsewhere. 

Her train of thoughts continues to trail around. A gun may be acceptable, but why a hidden weapon? She didn’t need to pull the trigger or aim at something to know it was still working. It looked new. Maybe Alek would claim its protection, and it would make sense if this isn't the safest and one of the most secluded islands she has ever known.

Something doesn’t add up. It’s easy to know but difficult to figure out. It’s her initial reaction to form a judgment but she always had reason to trust her gut. Mainly because most of the time, she was always right… even when she didn’t want to.

Alek walked out of the shower, water dripping from his hair, his chest, and almost every part of his body. She didn’t look away and enjoyed the view. Maybe she’s agitated but that doesn’t change the fact that her husband is naked, and so is she. The rest of the world could crumble into pieces all they could see was each other’s bodies. She wants him. Maybe he could try, to say that everything was just for a show. Still, a face can lie but his erection is showing otherwise.

He gave her bride a sly smile that made her want to dismiss every disturbing possibility because she wants him so bad, she wants him now.

The suspicions were still in her head but she smiled and not said a word. It was easier to keep secret that way because technically, there’d be no lie.

"I've been waiting for you," he whispered. His voice was low and calm that it reminded her of danger. 

Taking her steps slow, he let Alek scan every part of her body. There’s something about the thrill and the waiting that turns her on. She doesn’t want to rush anything. She wanted every part of her body to beg as she loses control and is under his mercy. He knows this is what she wants and the look he had on his face was making her want to kneel and cry in pleasure.

He knows her like the back of his palms. He sat on the corner of the bed and she followed, straddling Alek. He slowly slid a finger at her shoulders, teasing every inch of her skin before he wrapped her neck and pulled her closer for a kiss. They moved in synchrony as they tasted each other’s lips. It’s barely distinguishable whose lips were cold when their body was covered in heat.

Her eyes were on the ceiling as she let his lips trail down to her neck, giving him more access. Sierra inhaled the scent of his shampoo with his head so close to her.

Her hands were on his neck, trying to locate his carotid artery and memorizing every detail of his body, not that there were parts left unexplored. She started rubbing herself on him, fast and demanding, as she thought of choking him. Stifling a moan, she tried controlling her pace and slowed down.

Alek holds her hips as Sierra lays down on the bed, him on top of her. He entered her slowly with his eyes still pierced into her. With a teasing pace, she felt a torturous pleasure as her nails dug into his skin. Their breaths were heavy and deep. Pulling him closer, a moan escaped from her lips.

When they met, she knew they were made for each other. When they made love, whatever doubt she had left was gone. And now, as they spend the night as man and wife, Sierra wanted to believe the magic they had.

“I love you.” She said. Tonight, it wasn’t for Alek to know. She says these words first to convince herself. She needed to believe that she was right when she trusted someone blindly.

She allowed herself to be a fool for once and she went all-in on their love affair. It would be tragic if hell broke loose.

Her eyes were locked on his. Observing her husband’s eyes while searching for any hints of lie.

Sierra waited as she continued to meet his thrusts.

“I love you too,” he finally answered back.

The day after the wedding was as picture-perfect as Sierra had imagined. They lay beside each other, side by side, with Alek embracing her tightly. The first thing she sees after waking up is the view of his handsome husband’s face.

Just like the movies.

There was nothing out of the ordinary. He was still the same person that Sierra had met. He wasn’t acting differently.

The sound of the spoon hitting the teacup as she mixed the coffee filled the kitchen. It was so quiet that she could hear her own thoughts, her own fears.

The truth was, she had trouble sleeping.

Every time she closed her eyes, she could see Alek pointing a gun at her. It felt so real that she could feel it on her skin. All it took was a bullet, straight in the head or straight through her heart. Then, she’d be gone forever, and she wouldn’t even know the reason why. That would be the worst part, precisely what she can’t stop thinking about.

His scent was suddenly so intoxicating that she held her breath while counting to ten.

"I wish I could spend a few more days with you," he kissed her cheek. The usual blush that followed was gone. Even her usual response to his sweet-nothing was different.

"We have a lot of days ahead of us. Don't worry." She assured him and continued preparing the food.

"As soon as my schedule allows, I'll schedule an out-of-town for us." Alek hugged her from the back. His embrace was so constricting she almost felt trapped.

"Really?" She uttered as words reached her mind. "We've never been out of town together."

"Then, let's do it."

Unable to take his embrace any longer, Sierra disguised her disinterest with a passionate kiss as an excuse to face him and be freed from his back hug.

It was so unlike Alek. He was never this clingy. He could be sweet, but something about him changed. Maybe marriage can change people but a wedding? It has only been a day.

"I prepared lunch."

Alek leans in to kiss her. She imagined tilting her head to avoid his lips but she stood still and even managed to kiss him back.

"You didn't have to."

"Don't worry, this will not be happening every day."

"Maybe. But I'll look forward to the days that it will happen."

"You're making me want to do this often, aren't you?"

All she could hear was his laugh echoing. "Uh-oh. You caught me."

Maybe it was because of the lack of sleep but the sound of his voice had become unbearable. Part of her wanted to think it was just nothing, too, but such thoughts could never be entirely dismissed until she had proven herself right or wrong. She loves to be right. Despite her stubborn personality and bossiness, Sierra would like to be proven wrong this one time. For her own sake.

"I'll see you later?"

"Can't wait." She replied, trying to make it sound sincere. The desire to bite her lips in confusion and frustration becomes stronger the longer she stays with him. The heat felt too hot upon touching her lips and she didn’t stop, wanting this kind of distraction. Maybe the sting from a burn would help.

Alek glanced at his vintage watch. “I’m already a little late.”

“They’ll let it go. You just got married. Surely, they’d at least try to understand.”

“Maybe everyone else, but definitely not my boss.”

Sierra made sure his lunch was packed well and ready before handing it to him. “Goodbye, love. See you later.”

“See you later. I love you.”

His thumb brushed against her cheeks. His eyes were practically hypnotizing her. If Alek would try, he could say anything and she would believe.

Exactly what she wants to avoid.

Not soon after Alek leaves for his work in a local logistics company, Sierra gets ready to leave for work too.

She usually wakes up early and heads to work early. Her usual routine, however, couldn't be followed today.

Smiling at the familiar faces she passed by, nodding at the neighbors, greeting the kids playing by the side of the door.

“Loving the new bride glow!” Bill said. He owns the house from the corner around her flower shop.

Sierra smiled but said nothing. He would always throw her a disgusting look filled with desire. He’s harmless and hasn’t attempted anything more than look at her like he’d already undressed Sierra in his imagination. He tries to be polite and to be decent. That doesn’t change the fact that he is still a pervert. Surprisingly, today he hasn’t given her that. Amazing what marriage can instantly do.

After almost five minutes of walking, she stopped in front of a small store with a spacious lawn in front filled with flowers and trimmed bushes. A wooden sign in front says Touch of Rose that Sierra made herself.

She turned the sign that now says open. After this, she was supposed to check the flowers and water those. Managing the shop was a day filled with mini tasks to keep her busy. This was what she loved about her work. She has never sought excitement or thrill. Sierra wanted a predictable day filled with routine. Most of which can't be followed today.

Opening the laptop on her table facing the door, she played a romantic movie. Her eyes quickly looked at the door to make sure no one was coming.

The movie continued to play. Their lips moved, but no sound could be heard from her headset after pressing the mute button. The scene on the screen introduces the lead character. She was happily smiling, reciting her hopes and dreams while touring the new city she was going to live in.

Sierra could only care less.

"How was the wedding?"

"Well…"

Sierra leaned back as the voices spoke. It wasn't from the movie script, nor was it from the movie.

On Alek's lunchbox, she planted a hearing device, and today, Sierra has no plan of doing anything but listening to his husband's every word, making sure no lie could escape from those sweet and possibly sinful lips.