Chapter-28 Aftermath (Part 1)

Song: Feel by Beneld, BURY

Nico

I couldn’t think straight. The roaring music in the background or furious protest from my lungs as I hit my three hundredth push-up wasn’t helping either. All I could think of was last night, and a part of me wondered if I had dreamt it all.

Did I fuck Gianna that ruthlessly on the kitchen island?

And was she the one to ask for it? The shy, timid Gianna, who could barely look me in the eye until three days ago.

What the fuck just happened?

I gave up and flopped down on the floor, running my fingers frantically through my hair now wet with sweat. No, last night did happen because I could still feel the rage inside me every time I remember she spent the afternoon at that bastard’s place. What was she even doing there? At his fucking home?

I hissed and haphazardly grabbed the water, emptying the entire contents in one go. I knew Gianna well enough to know that she wouldn’t ever cheat. She was mad at me, rightfully so, and I guess it was her way of lashing out. But what bugged me was that she probably must have considered the alternative in her mind to use that against me.

And I do not know why but the idea of that asshole or anyone else touching her for the matter made me extremely angry. So angry that I lose control of my sanity. Controlling my temper has never been my strength anyway. I would have never been so rough with her had she not riled me up like that. I do feel a bit guilty now because I definitely left marks on her skin.

Quite a few of them.

But fuck all that. What hit me harder was that this madness was exactly what she wanted now, not love. Not anymore. Had three days changed everything? Did she stop loving me? Or did I push her so far that night she now saw me as nothing more than a way to satisfy her needs?

But that should’ve been a good thing, right? I wanted her—badly—but love had made me draw lines. Now that it was off the table, maybe those lines didn’t matter. She wanted me to fuck her, and I had no problem with that. In fact, I had plans. This could work. I should’ve felt relieved. Even happy.

Then why don’t I?

Why is there this nagging restlessness in my chest?

I needed to talk to Gianna and get things straight. I hated feeling this way. And I also needed to do some damage control after last night. I hope she wasn’t hurt because I was pretty rough. But she did enjoy it, meeting my ruthlessness with her own. I wasn’t sure which Gianna I liked better. The soft, innocent one or this bold, insatiable one. Maybe a balance of both would be the ideal mix.

Thankfully, I found Gianna in my walk-in, her back to me, even though she slept in the guest bedroom again. She wore a loose black silk nightgown, her long legs bare. One look, and I knew she was naked underneath. My cock twitched at the thought but I quickly shook my head and coughed lightly to grab her attention.

She turned around, and the moment her eyes fell on me, the sudden pounding in my chest almost knocked my breath away. What the fuck was that?

“I just needed to grab my clothes,” Gianna muttered. She grabbed a few pieces of clothing and then started to walk past me. But I grabbed her hand, gentler this time and pulled her back.

“Can we talk?” I asked when she gave me a look.

“Is that something you know how to do?” she raised a brow. Okay, she was still mad. And as much as I didn’t appreciate that tone with me, I counted to ten in my head to keep calm.

“Are you alright?” I demanded instead.

“Why would I not be?” she asked.

“Last night…I…” Hell, what do I say? “I was really rough on you. I just…wanted to make sure you weren’t hurt. I am sorry…I didn’t mean to.”

“I’m fine,” Gianna said and started to walk away, but I wasn’t done yet, so I grabbed her arm, and she immediately winced, her face scrunching in pain.

Fuck. I did hurt her.

“Can I see?” I said softly, releasing my grip but still holding onto her hand instead. “Please…”

Gianna met my gaze and then sighed before slowly undoing her robe and letting it fall to the floor. I was right. She was completely naked beneath. My eyes roamed over her beautiful body, and I took a deep breath, not out of the uncontrollable desire this time, but as my eyes spotted the bruises on her otherwise flawless skin. There were a few on her arms, her thighs, and let’s not count the hickeys.

“Shit…” I hissed, running my fingers through my hair. “Shit…shit…” I didn’t even know what to say. This was exactly what I was scared of.

“I’m so sorry…” I croaked, feeling fifty shades of fucked up as I met her eyes. "I'm sorry, Gianna. Fuck... I'm so sorry. I don’t know what happened…I am sorry…”

“I don’t mind,” she said, pulling on her gown again. “I told you that last night. If it’s any consolation…I enjoyed myself. But I believe you already know that.”

“This is not okay,” I hissed. “I hurt you.” She raised her dark eyes to mine, and I swear the look in them…I’d rather die than have her look at me that way.

“That’s the least of the hurt you've caused me, Nico,” she said. “But let’s not go there now. I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

“At least let me take care of those…” I said, still holding her hand for some reason.

“I can take care of it myself.”

“Please,” I begged, holding her gaze to let her know that I was sorry about that. And maybe other things too. “Please…” Gianna exhaled deeply and then nodded.

“Fine,”

“Stay here,” I said and dashed into the bathroom.

Quickly, I grabbed the bottle of coconut oil from the vanity and was extremely thankful to find her still waiting. I needed to be gentle, I reminded myself. This was by no means right. I don’t care if she enjoyed it.

“Come,” I said and taking her hand, I gently settled her on my lap. My eyes found hers to seek permission, and she slowly nodded.

Stay calm…I reminded myself as I undid her robe and pushed it down her body, rendering her completely bare to my eyes. Gianna didn’t shrink, didn’t even flinch, her eyes locked on mine with a confidence that was both sexy and a tad dangerous. She allowed me to see her fully, completely, and that was a kind of power that stirred something very dark and uncomfortable inside me. I can’t believe she was sitting on my lap completely naked. My mind told me it was wrong, but another part of me wanted to embrace it. She was my wife after all.

Mine.

I poured the oil into my palm, warming it before I touched her. Her body tensed slightly the moment my hands met her back. I swallowed hard, dragging my palms slowly across her spine, the silky glide of the oil making my control slip one breath at a time.

“Tell me if it’s too much,” I rasped, my voice thick with restraint as I gently massaged the oil on her bruises. She said nothing, silently watching me. But the way she slowly relaxed beneath my touch was answer enough.

“Better?” I could barely get the words out, the feel of her soft skin beneath my hands doing inexplicable things to me

“Yes,” she breathed.

“Your body feels very stiff. Do you…you mind if I do something?” She didn’t respond. Just shook her head. And that was enough.

I grabbed the bottle of oil and then poured the slick oil down her shoulders and her breasts. She was watching in silence, but I could sense the change in her breath. Locking my eyes on her, I started to deftly massage her shoulders, her neck, her arms, before my hands moved down her breasts.

Gianna closed her eyes, her lips parting and head falling back in pleasure as I kneaded them with firm but gentle pressure, starting the same process over and over again. I traced every curve of her waist, her hips, her thighs, committing her to memory in a way I hadn't let myself before. I could feel her wetness and my cock was struggling to breathe in the confines of my boxers and sweatpants.

But I wanted this to be about her. Her pleasure. I took from her last night. Now I wanted to give.

“Does this feel good?” I whispered, brushing my thumb over her nipples.

“Mmm….” she moaned deeply, eyes still closed.

Fuck. This was even hotter than sex.