Dulce Secretum

20

Chapter 20

The afternoon sun poured through the windows, casting a golden glow across the room. Its warmth caressed my skin, stirring me awake as my lashes fluttered against the light. The capiz shells near the window chimed with the breeze, their delicate melody intertwining with the distant songs of birds.

There was a faint, lingering pain throbbing deep within the thighs as I laid still, sinking into the softest of beds. My breath rose and fell in a quiet rhythm, cocooned in the warmth of not just the afternoon but also the saccharine of the arms encircling me.

Slowly, I turned my head, just enough to steal a glance behind me. And there he was-Julio. His eyes remained closed, his face relaxed in sleep, his soft breaths fanning against the curve of my neck.

A quiet smile found its way to my lips. Watching him like this, in his most peaceful state, I felt it-solace.

My heart had waited so long for this moment-aching, longing, anticipating. And now, it was here. Julio's love surrounded me, and for the first time, I felt the depth of my own feelings manifest, not just in words but in the way my body responded to his presence.

"Okay. Can I be your boyfriend now, then?"

The words came so quickly, I almost doubted I heard them right. My breath hitched as I stared at him, his dark eyes filled with both hesitation and certainty.

A slow, trembling smile spread across my lips, and I nodded.

Julio's eyes widened before his own smile broke through, bright and unrestrained. He took my right hand and squeezed it gently.

"Yes?" muli niyang tanong.

Mahina akong at tumango. "Yes."

Relief and joy played across his face before he lifted my hand to his lips, pressing a warm kiss to my knuckles. The simple gesture sent a shiver through me, and I giggled, feeling light and dazed. He took both my hands then, holding them to his chest as he whispered, "I love you."

"I love you too," I murmured, my voice barely above a breath as I leaned in.

The moment our lips met, everything else faded. His kiss was hesitant at first-soft, searching. Then, as if emboldened by the way I melted into him, he deepened it. His arms circled my waist, pulling me closer, and I let my hands trail up his back, holding onto him like he was the only thing anchoring me to reality.

His lips moved, coaxing mine to follow, and when his tongue brushed against my lower lip, a gasp escaped me. Julio groaned, the sound vibrating against my mouth as his fingers gripped my waist, firm yet reverent.

We barely realized when we moved, the world tilting as we found ourselves in my room, bathed in the golden light of late afternoon. The air was thick with something new, something unspoken yet understood. I sat on his lap, my arms wrapped around his neck, his hands caressing my back in slow, reverent motions.

I caught my reflection in the mirror beside us-Julio's face buried against my neck, his lips pressing soft, lingering kisses. My lips parted, breathless, overwhelmed. His hands traced my form, mapping the curves he had never touched before, a silent question lingering in his movements.

My mind flickered to the quiet moments I had spent alone, learning my own body, discovering what brought pleasure and warmth to my skin. But this-this was different. This was Julio.

I swallowed hard, my hand trembling as I gently lifted his face to meet mine. His dark eyes were searching, cautious.

"Do you want me to stop?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.