Out Of Darkness

Chapter Eight

Alea

Matthew returned from Paris, and for the following week, I secluded myself in my office. I was actively avoiding both Aleksei and my husband. Aleksei wouldn't stop ringing my cellphone. I'm puzzled about how he managed to get my number, especially when Juul claims he didn't share it. Matthew, however, had mostly left me alone this week until we had a row this morning that ended with me getting a nasty bruise on my ribs.

Uttering a slight grunt, I pushed myself up and went towards the spot where I love to think. My window.

My fingers brushed over my lips. The first genuine kiss I experienced. The sensation of his lips on mine remains fresh in my mind. The flavors from his drink combined with the undertone of mints on his breath. His hands gently moved over my skin. He moulded effortlessly to me. My breast was pressed up against his chest. The way he cradled my face. His lips moving gracefully over mine. I couldn't forget the severe look he directed my way. His eyes spoke volumes without uttering a word. His hunger for me was insatiable. His tongue willingly explored mine, and we enjoyed the synergy between us. He kissed me with the intensity of one fighting for survival.

"You're mine," he told her gently between kisses.

It felt like being drenched in cold water when the realization hit me: what I was doing was wrong. I summoned all my strength to shove him back. He panted with every breath he took. His hair was disheveled from my fingers running through it.

"I'm not yours."

"From the instant I laid eyes on you, you became mine. You might be married. But you're mine."

"You're delusional. I don't belong to you. I have a husband. What we did tonight was a mistake. It won't happen again."

"I think otherwise. I think It's going to happen again. You and I both know it."

I took a stride backward and turned away from him. More words were on my mind, but fear stopped me from expressing them. My heart raced wildly, and tiny stabs punctuated my chest.

oh no, not again. Not now. Not in front of him

I felt the beginnings of a panic attack creeping in. I knew I had to calm my breathing, or else I would pass out.

Thoughts flooded my mind in waves, making it tough to control them.

One thing, Alea. Shut your eyes and concentrate your thoughts on one single thing.

The sea. My fear and my solace. Breathe in the ocean. Smell the saltiness in the air. Listen to the crashing waves. Catch the calls of the seagulls. Feel the grains beneath your feet.

After years of therapy, that's the only lesson I absorbed. Direct your attention to one thing. It wasn't always effective, but right now it was working and that was enough for me.

"Alea, are you okay?"

I inhaled deeply and looked at Aleksei.

"Like I've mentioned before, we have on a business arrangement. There is nothing else. It will remain that way until I am done with what I'm am needed to do. After that, we'll each go our separate ways. Have a good night, Aleksei." Without giving Aleksei a chance to say anything, I walked away from the beach and went home.

The sound of a knock filled the office as someone rapped on the door, broke me out of my thoughts.

"I said no Interruptions Stace"