Wife Swap ✔️

16

Rome pov

'That kiss meant nothing.' I wish she would have just sharpened a knife and stabbed me, it would hurt less compared to those venomous words.

How could it mean nothing to her while she kissed me with such passion and intensity? It is unforgettable, I can still remember her tongue dancing with mine and everything else around us seizing to exist.

Granted, I was to blame when I rejected her. If only she knew how badly I wanted her, but I have my principles and could not let my desires lead me. I wanted to also revenge badly, I am aware of Mason’s weakness, his ego. It would cripple him to know that I slept with her. The thought is satisfying but I am not him. He was my best friend. I was his best man at their wedding!

Yet, every day I thought of her, sometimes I stood outside her bedroom door, listening and hoping for a sign. I hungered for the feel of her skin next to mine. My tongue seeking hers and the blush that her eyes tried to hide. She was just too delicate and perfect.

I leave too early going nowhere since I was suspended for a week after my fight with Mason. I can’t stand being near her. It drives me insane and yet each day as I walk in through that door. My house smells of her and the food on the dining table reminds me that she hasn’t left yet.

I don’t want her to leave, but sometimes I wish I could cure the sinful thoughts I’m harboring, which is where the if’s of her absence come into play.

“She is very pretty, isn’t she?” Mira asks as I drive them to the bus stop after I have dropped our parents off.

“Mmh...” I nod hoping that is the end of the discussion, I am aware of her beauty, and I get reminded of every head that turns as she walks, despite her being oblivious to it.

“I can’t believe Mason would cheat on her, men!” Vickie adds and she looks at me. She has been too cautious around me. I can see the inner turmoil of when it is appropriate to talk about Esme and how I am feeling.

Never! is the right guess but i don’t speak it out loud.

I told my family I will be okay but still. They show up unannounced and call me at every chance they get. They think I will burst and do something bad. I am not like those people in Athena’s favorite crime shows. I believe i have my rationality with me.

“Mason has always been a womanizer. Do you remember back in high school, Wendy and Gigi?” Mira asks.

When Vickie looks over at me, I turn to look outside as we stop at a roundabout waiting for the jam to clear and they carry on with their talk.

“Oh...they were in your class?” Mira asks, getting my attention.

Vickie nods.

Though Vickie is older than me, academics never favored her and she was two classes behind me and in the same class as Mason. That did not derail her from her dreams. She accepted her situation and was determined to further her education to the Ph.D. level. She finally graduated a few weeks ago. Esme refused to accompany me to her graduation citing that she had urgent products to deliver. Mason also said he had to work that day but now I realize it was just a ploy for both of them to continue playing us a fool.

The jam clears up and we finally get to the bus stop. They board the bus and I head back.

*****
I pause by the door contemplating my next move.
I don’t know if it is revenge I seek or if I truly desire her.

She’s sitting on the couch, watching one of those depressing crime shows. I tried to find any logic in watching them, but they just infuriate me. I halt and watch her, she is aware of my presence but acts like i am invisible.

Esme’s actions made me feel disappointed in myself for trusting her but, Mason’s infuriated me. He was supposed to be a brother, have my back not stab it. We grew up together and lied to our parents about each other. Heck! I even once brought him home and lied to Athena I was with him. While he had gone on a road trip with an intern at his office. Should have known evil had no loyalty and someday i would be its casualty.

I place a pizza i bought on my way. She barely ate anything as she was just nervous. I don’t know if she will eat it and i didn’t know what to buy for her. She is too picky and hates a lot of things. Mason did complain about that.

“You didn’t eat.” I say for last of better words and at the same time feeling relieved to be speaking to her after some days. She sure can win the battle for silence.

Confused i walk up to her. She slowly looks up at me and the any reservation i had is weakened.

“Don’t overthink.” I say even though i know that is her pass time hobby.

I neither overthink, i don’t give it room in my head as i step towards her and lean forward to her level. My lips touch hers and i can feel her dehydration on them. I have longed to feel this way again. I don’t give room for all the other thoughts or the guilt that will eat me up later. I concentrate on how her lips feel tender, the hitch in her breathing. The swell of her breast on my chest.

Just as I am about to deepen the kiss. She pulls away and her palm slaps me across my face.

“You are full of yourself, aren’t you?” Her brows furrow and her eyes pierce at mine. “Stay away from me,” She warns, “I am not something to toy with.”

Her nostrils flare, and something dangerous lurks in her rage. And for the first time, her gaze is fixed on mine. Her eyes holding a darkness that I was not expecting. Nonetheless, it compels me to reach out for her hand and stop her as she attempts to flee. Still the effect of that fraction of a kiss remains and i strain not to pull her against my chest and kiss her again.

I shake my head and compose myself, “Promise me you won’t freak out.” I say to her.

Curiosity replaces her anger and i am intrigued how possible she can shift between two emotions that fast, “Try me, i am not easily fazed.” She states.

“Something about you makes it hard to stay away.” I say.

“I am not special. Stick around for long and you will be disappointed.” Her lips tremble as she speaks and her tone makes my chest hurt.

If only she knew...

“You are.” I answer. I can’t imagine being disappointed or bored. I enjoy her silence too.

She grows silent, and i am happy when she doesn’t say something mean about herself. Instead, she takes my hand and wraps it round her waist, closing the distance between us and gives me a quick and gentle kiss. And just then she ends it unexpectedly and rushes to her room, leaving me in disbelief and chaos.