A WEB OF DECEIT ✔️

chapter 46

Thelani

I had intended to stay at Nkosikhona's place for just one day, but three days had somehow slipped by. I was starting to feel at home in his space, a surprising turn given how quickly things had escalated. I was grateful for his kindness, yet an underlying worry gnawed at me. I couldn't shake the feeling of overstaying my welcome. A part of me wanted to stay, but another part felt guilty for imposing.

With Nkosikhona out working, I took it upon myself to prepare dinner. Cooking for him had become a comforting routine. The rhythmic chopping of vegetables and the fragrant aroma filling the kitchen were therapeutic. Seeing him enjoy the meals I prepared gave me immense satisfaction.

He returned just as I was finishing up. His arrival was like a breath of fresh air, and I was excited to see him.

"It smells nice in here," he said, his eyes lighting up as he entered the kitchen.

"Hey, you," I replied with a smile. "I made supper."

Nkosikhona was accompanied by a man I hadn't seen before. He was shorter, with a warm and friendly demeanor. The sight of them together made me feel slightly self-conscious.

"Hey, Lani," Nkosikhona said, "this is my friend Thabo. He's here to pick up some documents."

"Uh, hi Thabo, nice to meet you," I said, feeling a bit flustered.

"Nice to meet you too, Thelani," Thabo responded with a genuine smile. "I've heard a lot about you, and I must say, you're a very beautiful lady."

Nkosikhona playfully nudged Thabo. "Let's go," he said, and they left before I could say much more. Thabo took the documents and departed, leaving me alone to finish dinner.

As I was about to serve the meal, Nkosikhona wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, pulling me close.

"I want you to move in with me," he whispered softly against my ear. His voice, usually so steady, carried a vulnerability that made my heart skip a beat. "You make my house feel like a home."

For a moment, I couldn't respond. The words hung in the air between us, heavy with meaning. "Move in?" I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper. A mix of excitement and uncertainty stirred within me. I wasn't prepared for this-yet something about the way he held me made the idea feel... right.

He turned me gently to face him, our eyes meeting. "Yes," he said, his gaze unwavering. "I've never felt this way before. When you're with me, everything just feels... complete."

I swallowed hard, emotions swirling inside me, and before I could think of what to say, he kissed me. It wasn't just any kiss. It was tender, passionate-like he was pouring everything he felt into it. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us. His lips were soft and slow at first, exploring mine with a patience that made me feel cherished. But then, as our emotions rose, the kiss deepened, became hungrier, more urgent, as if we couldn't get enough of each other.

Nkosikhona's hands moved up my back, pulling me closer still, our bodies flush against each other. Every touch set my skin alight, every brush of his lips against mine sent waves of warmth through me. I lost myself in the feel of him, in the way his strong hands held me as though I was the most precious thing in the world. When he kissed the soft skin of my neck, I shivered, a deep warmth spreading through me.

"Nkosikhona," I whispered, feeling more than just desire. I could sense the depth of what was happening between us. This was more than passion-it was connection.

He paused, his breath warm against my skin. "Do you want me to stop?" he asked, his voice gentle but filled with concern. His hands rested on my waist, grounding me in the moment.