OUR LITTLE SECRET

Part 4

About fifteen minutes later, you reached the elegant hotel restaurant and bar on the top floor of the Four Seasons.

The dimly lit room was adorned with an elegant floral arrangement, candles creating a romantic ambience.

Cillian had ordered some wine for you and the conversation flowed easily, filling the silence with tales of past adventures and shared desires and you could not help but bring up his wife again, knowing very well that you may be overstepping a line.

"How long have you been married for?" you asked casually, trying to gauge the depth of his unhappiness. Cillian sighed heavily, a look of resignation crossing his face.

"A very long time," he replied, his voice devoid of emotion. "It started as a marriage of convenience when she fell pregnant, but it turned into something more." He took a sip of his wine, his eyes avoiding yours as he spoke. "But then, years later, we've grown apart, both personally and sexually." He hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words.

"It's complicated," he finally admitted, his voice rough with emotion before seeking to change the topic.

"So what about you? Why don't you have a boyfriend?" Cillian inquired curiously, leaning closer to you across the table. His gaze roamed your face, seemingly seeking answers to questions unspoken. You couldn't help but notice the way his eyes lingered on your lips, an unmistakable desire evident in them.

"Well, you know, life has just been busy for me," you tried to explain lightly, hoping to deflect attention away from your lack of romantic experiences.

"And you haven't found anyone who interests you?" Cillian pressed further, his voice laced with concern.

"No. Most of the guys I am interested in are much older than me and some are married," you said, blushing, seeing that Cillian too was more than twice your age.

"I can see a common theme here," Cillian chuckled before running his fingers over your hand suggestively.

"And why would that be?" you questioned, teasing him.

"Well, I am older, and I am married," Cillian smiled before pointing out something quite substantial. "I suppose you just wanted someone experienced, huh? Or maybe you just enjoy indulging in illicit affairs which, can be quite dangerous as you know," he answered, his eyes twinkling with humour.

"Oh, I wouldn't say it's necessarily dangerous, just a bit naughty," you giggled, feeling your cheeks heat up under his gaze.

"True, it might not be inherently dangerous," Cillian conceded, his fingers playing with your wrist seductively. "But, sometimes these secrets can lead to situations you didn't intend or expect," Cillian pointed out, reaching for another glass of wine.

"Have you ever gotten caught cheating?" you asked, knowing very well that you were not the only one Cillian had ever been involved with outside his marriage. There were rumors in the paper, circulating with respect to at least two actresses as well as his assistant, Siobhan.

"No," Cillian confessed. "I never cheated, not until now at least," Cillian pointed out, and your chin dropped.

"Really?" you asked with surprise, taking another sip of your drink.

"Really," Cillian told you, running his finger around the rim of his wine glass.

"Although, it did cross my mind before, I admit that," he confessed, his expression turning serious.

"Why?" you asked.

"I guess I was curious about the thrill of doing something forbidden, even though I know that it would ultimately destroy my marriage," he explained and, as the conversation continued, you found yourself drawn to Cillian's dark and mysterious persona.