The Second Bride on the List

Chapter 32

Dawn is gently breaking the sky, half-awake, with it's eye still closed, sitting on the gentle waves of the sea, but it's streaks of colored petals scattered on the waters, glistening ripples on the majestic Aegean sea. 

Kiefer woke up with a smile on his face, and breathed in the salty air.  It feels nostalgic, like the summer time of his boyhood, and puppy love, making his heart skip a beat.

He turned around, and watched Alyssa gently snoring on her side of the bed.  They both had trouble sleeping, but were too tired, too.  Must be the jet lag.  And now, his body is fully awake.  He traced the bridge of her nose, smiling like a little puppy.

It's their honeymoon, yet...

Alyssa stirred from her sleep, awakened by his touch.  "Anong oras na, Kief?" she groggily asked, reaching for her phone on the side table.  "Daybreak," he whispered, and jumped on top of her, to Alyssa's surprise.  "Kief," she whined, pushing him away, but he claimed her mouth, loving her taste in the morning.

Alyssa sighed and gave in to the temptation.  It was gentle and sweet, giving her that slow soft glow in the pit of her stomach.  They paused to catch their breaths, and smiled.  "Good morning, Babe," Kiefer whispered, and Alyssa couldn't help but smile with her heart all aglow.

Kiefer slowly stood up, and offered his hand to her.  "Let's swim," he said, and Alyssa shook her head.  "Ang aga pa, Kief," she murmured, smiling.  "Come on," Kiefer insisted, smiling at her.  "This would be more fun than jogging."

Alyssa yawned, and reached for his hand, "But I love to jog.  Maybe swim later."  Kiefer pulled her up, and brought her closer to him, "What if... We jog a bit, then swim right after?"  Alyssa's eyes shone bright, loving the challenge, "Game!"

She hurriedly brushed her teeth and brushed her hair, and wore a two piece under her running clothes, a cropped oversized shirt, and a tight fitting running shorts.  She stashed in a cover up after their swim in her body bag.  She tied her hair in a bun, when Kiefer asked, "Are you ready?"

"Sure," she smiled, and they happily jogged to meet the sunrise.

All they could hear are the lapping of the waves, and the squawking of the birds, and they giggled if they hear a funny sound.  They were enjoying the cool breeze, and each others company, and as soon as they hit the shore, they hastily left their bags and stripped off their running clothes.

The sun was casting beautiful rosy colors, and Kiefer was mesmerized with the way Alyssa's skin turns golden.  Her toned body makes her look like an untouchable warrior princess, and as soon as she shook her head to let down her hair, he was beyond words.

He was reverential, for here is the woman his heart has been seeking, in all faces and places, only to find her when it was time to find her, even in the most unusual circumstance.

When love has eluded him before and offered him the sins of the flesh, this gentle woman of earthy beauty came to redeem his being.

Alyssa was already running towards the waves, her hands up high, like a child welcoming Christmas morning.  Such is her beauty and innocence, that he was rooted, unconsciously.  "Hoy, Kiefer," she yelled, bobbing up and down the water, "diyan ka na lang ba? Anyare sa swimming after jogging?"

Kiefer smiled, "Ayan na! Ayan na! Atat ka lang talaga makita katawan ko!"  And he removed his shirt, to join her in the waters.

They were like kids, splashing water, bobbing up and down, diving... Holding their breaths, releasing their laughter.  And all that time, Kiefer can't help but gravitate towards her, as if the universe is pushing him to be near her.  And all the time his skin touches hers, he'd feel the need to be closer... really close... to her.

And Alyssa could feel something different in her, everytime Kiefer would stand by her back, his chest on her, or when he wraps his arms around her waist, or when he would offer his back for her to ride on, she'd feel this longing... Like someone inside her wants to break free from all her hesitations... Like all she wanted is to be cocooned in his strong muscled arms... Trusting him, offering him her love, and all that she is.

Eyes locked, breaths mingling, he slowly lowered his lips, as if it was the call of universe for them to mate.  Hungrily, he kissed her, sucking her tongue to make love with his, biting her lips, tasting her, feeling her...

... And feeding the goddess that is wanting to break free, and love.

His hands were all over her, gently, as if asking for permission.  She drew his nape closer, kissing him with the same passion.  He was squeezing her hips, her waist, and his hands are now on her tight behind, pushing her closer, grinding into her.

"Alyssa," Kiefer whispered, "I love you."

She closed her eyes, and gave into the feeling. 

Here he is, the man she thought she could never have, and this dream she doesn't want to end.  But his kisses are rough and sweet, and she knows that this is real, that he is real.  She moaned his name when his kissed moved from her lips to her neck, sucking every inch of her, making her burn despite the cool morning waves...

"Tell me to stop," Kiefer whispered on her skin, "I'll stop."

Her head wants him to stop, but her heart wanted to claim what is right.

"Stop," she whispered, and Kiefer slowed down his kisses, heaving deeply, slowly moving himself away from her.  He leaned his forehead on hers, trying to control the fire that was slowly consuming him.  "I've become a madman since I met you," he whispered, and kissed her forehead.

"Not here," Alyssa whispered.  Kiefer raised his eyes to meet hers, wanting to believe he heard it right.  "Not here," Alyssa repeated, her eyes steady, calm... and bright.

Madness, and love.

Kiefer cupped her face, "I'll be gentle.  I'll make it worth every second that you cried over lost love.  I'll make it worth every second you waited for love to find you."

She smiled, and this time, reached for his lips, for a sweet and soulful kiss.

As soon as they have emerged from the waters, they both knew something was different between them.  Like an unbreakable bond was forged.

Like a marriage by the sun, the sea, and the gods in the sky.
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They were having late lunch by their room, with jet lag hitting up on them again.  Earlier, they dozed after their swim, with Kiefer on the hammock by the veranda, and Alyssa on the bed, completely missing breakfast.

And right now, the tension seems to intensify.  Sparks are flying.  But no one is talking.  Only the sound of utensils can be heard.

Alyssa cleared her throat, "So... What's next sa itinerary natin? What do you want to do?"

Devour you, his eyes speak.  Alyssa averted her gaze, and waited for his answer.  "Maybe take some pictures... I don't know," he answered languidly, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Oooh, pictures," Alyssa answered self-consciously.  "So saan tayo?" she asked, pasting on a smile, even if her heart is beating wildly in her chest.

Kiefer drew in a deep breath, "we can take pictures from here.  Ang init din sa labas e.  The veranda affords us a beautiful view."

And you, of course.

"Oh, okay," Alyssa said, a little perkily, "I never knew interesado ka pala sa photography."  Kiefer went back inside and took out his DSLR.  "When I had my ACL, I had to divert my attention, otherwise, I'd go crazy.  Photography saved me from myself," he explained, setting his camera. 

Alyssa slid beside him, curious as to how he does it, "Ano yung usual subjects mo?"  Kiefer took a test shot at the sea.  "People.  I like to shoot at random people, candid shots," he says, "I like them moving and active.  I would like to capture their story, just with one look by the viewer."

He showed her the picture, and Alyssa was like a little child, curiously staring at the picture he has taken.  "Paano mo nalalaman kung ano yung magandang anggulo?" she asked, still scrutinizing the picture.  "Malalaman mo rin," he replied, looking at her bowed head, "minsan, isang tinginan, akala mo wala lang.  Pero sometimes, it takes a second look for you to appreciate the beauty in front of you."

Alyssa slowly removed her eyes from the camera, and looked out at sea.  She could feel his eyes on her, "Pero minsan ba, nagkamali ka rin? Na akala mo maganda, pero hindi pala?"

Kiefer reached for her hand, "I want to take a picture of you."'

Alyssa was surprised, "Hah? Bakit?"

"I've been looking at you for the past year, and I know, more than a hundred times I have seen you, you are more than skin deep beautiful.  You are luminescent," he whispered.

Bewitched by his words, Alyssa nodded, and let Kiefer bring her to sit and pose.

She was wearing an off-shoulder maxi dress, which somehow brings an ethereal look on her bronze skin.  He made her sit on the veranda, by the steps, letting the wind capture and dance with her hair.

"Ano gagawin ko?" Alyssa timidly asked, her huge eyes on him.  Kiefer smiled, "look at the sea, and pray.  Pray like you are addressing the universe with your whole being."

Alyssa hesitantly looked at the big vast sea, self-conscious of Kiefer around.  Then she took a deep breath, closed her eyes...

For you.

Kiefer was transfixed to see Alyssa suddenly bloom in front of him.  He shot away different angles, while she seems to zone him out and embrace the sun, the wind, and the sky. 

She is like every woman you would pass by, but she captivates you on your second, third, until the last time you take a look.  She is simple and basic in every way, but it is her simplicity that tones down the fire around her.  Her eyes speaks volume- innocent, timid, yet fiery.

Kiefer moved back, far away from her.  "Lie down, raise only one leg, fold it, then stretch your arms above you," he instructed her, and she did as she was told, never minding the wind playing with the hem of her dress, dancing, beckoning Kiefer.

... Seducing him to see more of her.

He was clenching his camera more than he should, but she is like a siren, calling out to him.  "Turn to your right, on your side.  Place your free arm on the floor, and look down," he called out, moving forward.

And she did as she was told.  And he took shots of her from different angles.

"Now, look at me," he softly asked, and when she raised her eyes, he knew...

He wanted her.

"I want to take a picture of you naked," Kiefer said softly, "your skin, touching the earth.  Your hair, one with the air.  Your eyes, like fire."

The spell was broken.  Alyssa seems to have woken from sleep, "Ha?  Ba-bakit?"

Kiefer's hands were shaking, but he wanted to take a picture of her naked splendor.  "I... I want us to celebrate you...," he reached for her face, "I want to capture your soul and imprint it in my mind forever."

"You're asking too much, Kief," she murmured, averting her gaze. Kiefer dropped his gaze, and sighed, "It's okay... It's okay.  I guess I have enough."  He pointed to his camera, patting it in the process.

He slowly turned around, and walked towards the bedroom.

"Wait," Alyssa called out.

He slowly turned, afraid of what she'll say next...

"I'll... I'll do it," she swallowed her fears, and doubts.

For you.

"Don't... Don't do it if you think it will make me happy," Kiefer whispered, then raised his eyes towards her, "Do it... Because it will make you happy, and will never regret it for the rest of your life."

Alyssa understood what he is asking.  He is asking for her total surrender.

He is asking for her heart.

She closed her eyes, and nodded.  "I'm happy, and I'll be happy... Doing it for you," she whispered.

Kiefer moved forward, one step at a time, and Alyssa took a deep breath, and slowly, letting the dress slide down from her body.  One shoulder at a time, letting the dress glide down.  Kiefer immediately captured how the dress floated down, caressing her skin.

"I'm... I'm not that pretty...," she whispered, her voice tinge with fear.

She reached for the hook of her bra at the back, biting her lower lip, afraid, yet trying to be brave at the same time.  She covered her breasts, letting her bra drop unceremoniously.

"Hindi... Hindi rin ako well-endowed," she whispered.  And she reached for her remaining underwear, and slipped her finger, pushing it down her legs. Covering her womanhood.

"I'm not sexy even," she whispered, her voice shaking.  Yet her eyes never left him, "But this is all of me, Kief.  All of me... For you."

She dropped on the floor, her hands on her breast and mound.  "Don't...," Kiefer muttered huskily, "Don't hide yourself.  You are beautiful enough for me."

She dropped her head, and slowly removed her hands, and sat on the floor, her palms flat on it.  "Look at me, Ly," Kiefer whispered, "You are more than enough for me."

There were so many emotions in her eyes, yet one stood out the most - TRUST.

Kiefer felt lust and fear... Lust because of the beauty that is before him, tempting his whole sense... And fear, because he knows, he has lost himself over her.  Something that has never happened before.  Something new and unfamiliar to him.

"I don't deserve you," he rushed over to her, shoving the camera aside.  He grabbed her by the nape and devoured her.  "I don't deserve you, too," Alyssa responded, clinging on to him, to his kisses, to his unspoken promises.

He carried her to their bedroom, and started assaulting her senses, kissing her maddeningly slow, waking the goddess that is in her.  She moaned his name, which made him even want to be in her.

Alyssa helped him undress, and on their knees, like two lovers, they reached for each other, hungrily, passionately, molding into one.  He slowly laid her down, kissing her, marking her as his.  His hands traveled and molded her body, making them sing for his touch, making her moan out loud.  He slowly touched her most cherished treasure, feeling her ready.  He kissed her deeply, and dipped his finger inside, stretching her, making her ready for him.

Alyssa felt she was on fire... His kisses are making her burn, his hands making her burn even more.  "Babe," he gritted his teeth, "I need to be in you."  He looked at her, knowing it will hurt her.  Her eyes dreamy, she mouthed out, "Yes."

"It will hurt you, I'm sorry," he mumbled, and claimed her lips for a kiss.  And he rammed inside her, claiming her, breaking her innocence, branding her as his wife.

She stilled, feeling the pain.  A tear fell. 

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry," Kiefer whispered, his head dropped on her chin.  "Masakit pala, Kief," she said softly, "pero lahat naman nasasaktan, di ba? Masasaktan ka lang kung malalim ang pinag-uugatan..."

Kiefer nodded, going crazy over the pain he must have introduced her to make her cry, and the throbbing need to bury himself in her.

"Matagal naman akong nasaktan," she whispered, brokenly, "but you're worth all the pain in this world, Kief..."

Kiefer groaned, and kissed her, his heart could not contain too much emotion from her.  He didn't realize tears were falling from his eyes, too overwhelmed by her, and his love for her.  He kissed her, wanting to steal her soul and keep it to him, and slowly, inch by inch, he started moving inside her, wanting her warmth, her sweet tight warmth.  And soon enough, she started responding to him, moving her thighs, meeting his thrusts.

It was driving him crazy... This bewitching woman and her earthy body... Her moans and whimpers... And her scratches on his back...

"Ly, Babe... I'm cumming," he whispered through clenched teeth.

"I love you," she whimpered.

And he let go.  He thrust his seed into her, all of him, all his being... He clung to her, grinding himself down into her, wanting to imprint himself forever in her, as she is imprinted in his soul forever.

Slowly, just as slowly they are coming down to earth, her eyes were closed, breasts heaving, trying to catch her breath.  He could not help but smile even if a tear fell from his eyes.  She opened her eyes to look at him.  "I never saw love with eyes as beautiful as yours," he whispered.  She smiled tiredly.  "But then again, maybe you are the only love that I will know all my life," he said, and gave her a long lingering kiss.

Alyssa was tired, but it was a happy kind of being tired.  Like knowing you have found your place, and your worth.  Like knowing you have found the love you have waited for, after all the tears and heartaches.

While Kiefer played with her hair, as she dozed off, thinking of the many times he will make love to his wife, thinking of the many children they will have, thinking about them and their tomorrows.

For you.  For real.
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