16: My Lady In My Paradise

From a million miles above the ground, I watch the city shrink into a small segment on the world's map. No matter how I strain my eyes, I can't make out my house or the church… Everything is a blur. 

I'm on top of the world! 

A big grin plasters across my face. I'm this close to screaming out loud. 

Frankly, I've never been to the Maldives, never had a decent vacation until him…

I recline back in my seat and turn to face him. Just like me, his belt straps him to his seat. 

He smiles. 

Wrinkles line the side of his eyes regardless of the mask. He looks charming still.

“Is there something on your mind?” 

I smile and nod to his question. “With you, I always have something to say.” 

His long fingers drum on his thigh. Then he looks at me again, eyes inviting me to something more. “I hope they are all good.”

I heave a soft sigh. 

Without thinking through my actions, I damn the consequences and unbuckle my belt, then latch onto him. 

My ass grind against him, kneading him beneath me, and feeling the effect of my wildness.

“Good… or bad… what do you think?” I muffle a throaty sound like a moan. 

His throat swells when he gulps what seems to be saliva. When his eyes shoot open again, they are dark, wet, and fierce. 

“Tessa.” He groans. 

My name on his lips sounds so good. 

I collapse on him, my hair falls across his shoulder. Inch by inch, I close the gap between us. Our breaths mingle in subtle waves. 

His eyes drop from my face, taking in the soft swells of my breasts that push out of my dress's deep V curve. 

All of me is on dirty display, leaving out just my nipples as the fabric clings around it. They press hard against my dress, begging to be free. 

“Monster.” 

I tease back and play with his earlobe. 

For a start, I want to know how he fishes me out no matter my hideout. I mean, it’s over millions of people in California… I want to really know why he chose me…

His calloused palm lay on the small of my back. He gently rubs around my dimple.

Instead, I just exhale and let everything melt off. “What if it goes sour? What if I lose my job for continuous absence?” I rap on. “Surely, it’s not the best job out there, but it’s a perfect distraction.” 

He leans closer, close enough that the fine edges of our lips graze. 

Heavens! His breath smells so fresh. Like the pop of menthol in a stale field. 

My lips part, begging him to claim me. 

His lips brush mine, and he pauses. Our eyes lock in an intense gaze. 

“If I can give everyone around you the best, will you doubt me if I say I’d give you the world, mama?”

His fine fingers reach to graze my cheek. He tucks my hair behind my ear and cups my chin. “Besides, I’m here. What could be a better distraction?” 

I duck to hide a blush. 

Gosh! He has a smooth effect on me. My eyes are teary. He knows I’m overly emotional, he doesn't tease me about it. Instead, he pulls me in a tender hug and rubs my shoulder.

His chin lightly rests on my head, and he pecks me.

*** *** 

A loud gasp jerks me up from my deep sleep. It's like a frightened exhalation.

The last shred of sleep falls from my eyes when I look at him. 

The collar of his white sleeve is soaked with sweat. Terror is boldly written in his red eyeballs. 

“It’s just a dream.” He sighs and looks away. 

I'm still on his lap. 

My small hand palms his face, and I stir him to face me. I gently read his terrified exterior. “Do you want to talk about it?” 

He wriggles his jaws. “No.” 

I nod gently, obeying his wish. “It's okay.” 

Not pushing further, I wrap him in a warm hug and lay on his chest. I'm facing the window. I take in the beautiful sight before me. 

In sheer excitement, I sit up. 

We're right above a vast ocean that sparkles in shades of turquoise and sapphire, its surface so calm it mirrors the fiery streaks of orange, pink, and violet stretching across the sky.

It’s a sparkling blend… that beckons to your soul like a siren.

An island is right at the center. 

Tiny thatched-roof villas sit perched on stilts above the water, their wooden walkways forming delicate patterns. A canopy of palm trees sways gently on the edges of the island, casting long shadows that ripple across the sand and vanish into the glowing lagoon. 

My mouth falls open as I gawk in amazement. From beside me, I hear him chuckle. 

“It’s so beautiful… oh, my god!”

I squeal like a child. If I had superpowers, I’d drop right into the clusters of blooming tropical flowers. 

“Just like you.” He teases gently. 

The jet nears the island as it prepares to land. Each second, the beauty of the stunning tropical paradise is magnified. 

“It’s simply breathtaking!” I blink and pout. 

We touch down. I’m the first to release my belt and run towards the exit like a teenager separated from her mum since childhood. 

“Easy, mama.” He chuckles from behind as he gently strolls towards me. 

I hop down the steps, taking two at a time. It’s a miracle that my legs are not yet broken.

The entrance is a spectacular wooden pathway. The fronds of towering palm trees sway and lazily bend to sweep the sharp sand. At the end of the boardwalk, a grand star-shaped structure emerged from the lush greenery, nestling the fine island. 

Overwhelmed with excitement, I bounce down the walkway. The small gate opens, and a short, plus-size, dark man beams at me. 

“Hi. Assalamu alaikum.” His hands clasp in a modest prayer. 

“Hi.” My hands press together. 

My eyes travel far to a white horse with brown spots all over. Unconsciously, I chew my nails. 

Monster is now behind me. 

“You have a horse?”

He squints and dips his hands in his pockets, cocky as ever. “Five horses actually,” he brags. 

“Kulhey maruhabaa, osthaa. Welcome, master.”

"Mama, this is Fazeel, the butler." He briefly introduces. "Fazeel, my lady."

The man's cheeks lift with a broad grin.

He guides me past the small gate. 

“I have a little barn behind and other livestock.” He describes while he speaks.

My eyes pop out in excitement. 

“We could have five kids and dedicate each horse to them.” He grins. 

I laugh out, feeling my lungs squeeze hard and expel air. I cough and smack my chest. I'm not even taking myself seriously.

“Nah, the chickens and goats will feel left out.” I play along. 

He shrugs. “Thirty kids then.” 

Again, I’m blushing at his nastiness. I can't lie, the images of kids running around, chasing horses and hens flash through my mind.

‘TESSA!’

My brain screams like a lunatic. 

‘Maybe… Just maybe you’ve been brought here to be bred.’

Wait… What!? 

My head spins at the possibility. My eyelashes blink as I try to think straight. It’s not working. 

‘He can't possibly lock me out of the world and imprison me here, right?’ 

No response to counter it. 

‘Right?’ I ask again, hoping the soft voice will come to my rescue.

“Come here, mama.” He slips his hand around my waist and pulls me to himself, ignorant of my chaotic mind. “We may stay here forever if you want.” He spills, his tone smooth like butter. 

That’s it… Narcissists always use your words against you…

He notices my disjointed focus and rolls me in so that I smack against his chest. His eyes run around my small face, just as I try to take all of him in. 

‘What’s the need? It’s not even his face!’ My mind is dealing with me. 

“You don't seem excited at the very least.” His brows knit. “We could get more horses…”

“Not that,” I force a smile. “Uh… two days is enough. I really love my job. For now.” I hastily add. 

His hand slides up and down my waist, and he leans in to nuzzle my neck. The tip of his nose traces my bare skin and lingers on my collarbone. His tongue flicks off a spot, and he hums. 

I feel my muscles tense in his gentle grip. 

“How about you keep that aside and enjoy my treat?” He nibs on my flesh. My skin is caught between his small teeth. “My staff has prepared a warm bath and dinner for my queen.” 

I gulp dryly. 

My heart is still beating hard against my chest. 

I manage a small nod and smile. “That’s so sweet of you.” 

“Even better, I have a surprise for you.” He releases me and reaches down to hold my hand instead. “Come on, let’s go.”

Lanterns with a yellow hue lit our path down to the portable white bungalow. 

“This way, mama.” He guides me through another path and opens the door.

My eyes fly open, taking in the master bedroom in front of it. It's well equipped, with a king-sized bed neatly laid. 

“Just… wow.” I muffle.

He shrugs. “I know. I have that effect on people.” He lets me walk in first. “There’s a fine jacuzzi on the other side, the head maid has prepared a nice bath for you.”

Like a gentleman, he gives a curt bow. 

“I need to handle a few things, I’ll join you shortly.” He turns to leave but stops. “Ah-ah, I’ve got a few tops that would fit.” He points to the tall cabinet. “I apologize, it wasn't a planned trip.” 

My cheeks warm up with a smile. “Anything is perfect.” 

He lingers in the corridor for a while before disappearing. 

“Whoa!” I fall on the bed in a lazy heap. 

The soft mattress sinks around my weight. My limbs swim up and down, and I giggle like a child. The sweet smell of the freshly laundered sheets makes me grab the sheet and press it to my nose.

‘Dear Lord… Can he not really be a monster?’ I murmur a prayer.

My breathing is a bit uneven. Heaven knows how much I want this to work out between us. 

He’s nothing like James… He puts in all the effort to make me happy. Plus, he doesn't even need to do so much. But with James, I’m always trying to accommodate and be the perfect woman… At least, James is real. 

I shut my eyes and puff. 

‘Don't jinx, Tessa… please.’ I beg in my head. 

After a while, I strip naked and walk down to the bathroom as he had directed. 

Fine white tiles line the walls, down to the floor. A grand jacuzzi is right at the center. It's filled to the brim with soapy water. 

I scoop and sniff. 

Warm. A blend of coconut milk, soft petals, and a hint of berries.

‘Oh, my god…’ 

I immerse myself in the warm fluid. The sweet scents envelop me and make me drink in their richness. It feels so good. I let myself soak in the bath, and what’s left of me is my small head floating above. My rich brown hair adorns my face like soft petals. 

The nice bath melts away my fatigue. I remain still for a moment, living in my dreams. Soon, I scrub myself clean, apply coconut shampoo to my hair, and gently massage my scalp. Done with washing my body to my taste, I drain the bath and refill it with clean, fresh water. 

Like the ocean, it’s blue and soothing. 

I don't rush my bath. I take my time to rinse off and swim like a fish in the aquarium. 

This is the nicest bath I’ve had in years. I get out of the bath and pull down the towel hanging on the rack. 

There’s a bottle of tropical lotion. It smells so yummy. Everything on this island is top-notch. I settle for a white tank top that barely crosses mid-thigh and lazily clings to my body. 

I stroll outside the room. 

The cool evening breeze kisses my skin and tosses my hair about. My top slips in between my thighs as a result. 

I maneuver the walkway, letting the fine lanterns guide me. 

I take a slow spin, with my eyes surveying the entire place. The storm in my mind is starting to rage. I catch a glimpse of his back. 

There he is!

The storm dies off just as it started. 

With slow and steady steps, I quietly approach him. My sweet smell may betray me, but I hope that it gets lost in his strong cologne. 

I hear him murmur something… But not to me. 

With long and careful stares, I see that he’s on the phone. It’s a tiny cell phone, like a bunner. 

“… Perfecto… Mi suona bene… We have a deal…”

I lean in, struggling to hear more. At that moment, I notice the muscles of his back twitch. He swiftly turns, pinning his green eyes on me. 

“Let me call you back.”