THE PERFECT DECEPTION

Chapter 19

Anupama

My mind slightly dazes, a buzz humming against my ear. I had likely been asleep for several hours, nearly half the day. My face remained nestled against his musky chest, almost suffocating me. That's just me trying to sour the contentment I felt against his chest. I habitually try to squeeze lemon over anything Jonathan does or says, even if it brings tears to my eyes. I, Anupama Joshi, am accustomed to sweetening the bitter truths of hate from the Shahs, Anuj, and Aadhya.

Jonathan would always whisper the most beautiful words into my ear. His words spiralled like a cool breeze, sending shivers down my spine. I inhaled his soft heartbeat in a silent echo, synchronising with mine as birds chirped and traffic roared across the highway. I enjoyed the musky scent and his smooth chest as I nuzzled my cheek against it. The moment was filled with sensory details, from the sound of his breath to the feel of his hand brushing my skin gently. It was a moment of peace as he shifted in the sheets, drawing me closer.

I softly chuckled as roses bloomed around my heart, guarded by protective thorns. The thorns did not stab or tear my heart in two this time. They entwined themselves with wounded emotion and toughened for the world to see, yet they opened the doors as he whined like a little boy not ready for school. "Wildcat, don't break my heart so early," he murmured, his voice low and grumbly, as husky moans filled the air and a pool of desire surged within me.

"Break your heart?" I asked, a soft giggle escaping me as my heart trembled. Jonathan growled, the vibration resonating in his chest. "I have only one heart, and it's quite delicate," he murmured into my ear, each word etching itself into my veins. A gentle chuckle rose from me as tiny butterflies danced along my spine, my legs tensing. I revelled in this sensation of feeling without the need to provide reassurance. "You should stop speaking like that, or I might start to believe you've become tender," I teased, meeting his gaze, which he tried to keep emotionless, yet it wavered with every flutter of my lashes.

He growled before pulling away, and a slight pout formed on my lips. A wave of disappointment washed over me as a cold breeze swept through my hair, leaving a trail of goosebumps. ''Are you going to the office?'' My voice softens as my eyes wander his length to his manhood. My jaw falls, remembering how I took that massive thing inside me, now wondering if I had any of my sanity left in me. Jonathan chuckled as he waltzed towards me, his smirk cruel and teasing—his audacity. My body trembled under his gaze, which seared his scars upon me, tingling gently like butterfly kisses against tender bone.

It was akin to the silent whisper of a treasured kiss encased in a secret poem lost in an ocean of thought. His captivating presence was overwhelming, igniting a desire to challenge the tranquil sea with his fire that scorched the world I cherished. Yet, I pondered if this intensity was more than mere lust, perhaps a depraved part of myself seeking liberation in another. Jonathan eclipsed the lovely light of late morning, his skin shimmering with a glittery sheen. His blue eyes met mine, and I was sure the magnetic pull was felt by me alone.

"Keep gawking, and you'll go blind," I quipped, arms crossed over my chest, eyebrows knitted in a mock battle with his. "How will you give me the cold shoulder with those icy peepers?" I teased, stifling a giggle. My glances darted to him as he pondered the obvious. Jonathan's lips rumbled with a soft roar, "Caveman," I muttered, then gasped as he scooped me up. His arms coiled around my legs, his biceps brushing my spine. My eyes bulged, then squinted at his amused rumble. That was his 'Mr. Universe' laugh.

"Caveman," I growled, feigning fury but melting at the gentleness in his gaze. "If I can't see you, I'll just have to feel my way," he declared, navigating to the closet carefully to spare my toes any furniture mishaps. "And what if you're handless?" I mentally face-palmed; that sounded utterly ridiculous.