Captive of Love

Restraint

Just when it appeared, we were going to kiss. He pulled away. Clearing his throat, he simply picked up where he left off with the conversation. He even went as far as repositioning himself to sit further away. Was this his way of rejecting me? What had I done to cause his change of mood? I didn't know. It was a warm and sunny day but I suddenly felt cold.

I was just beginning to feel normal, carefree even, but then he changed. Suddenly, I cared not for the tour. I refused to be toyed with. This was my vacation, my chance to throw caution to the wind. Though I’d hoped to share my adventures with Karlus, if he wasn't up for the task I would find someone else who would.

Once the tour had ended, he insisted on escorting me back to my hotel. Honestly, we could have parted ways after docking. The walk back only further cemented his disinterest in me. Not once did he try to caress me, hold my hand, or show any other signs that would indicate romantic interest.

“Ah, here we are,” Karlus announced.

Standing at the steps of the hotel I felt trepidation as to how to end our time together. I lifted my hand because at that point a handshake was all I thought he wanted.

He glanced with furrowed brows at my extended hand, before an easy smile took form. Taking my hand into his, he flipped it, to kiss the back. His lips lingered, crossing over from a polite goodbye to something far more sensual. When he straightened, his eyes locked onto mine. My breath quickened.

“Ms. Amara Brooks, I have thoroughly enjoyed your company. Do not take my restraint as a sign of disinterest. I think it would be best if we took things slow. Don’t you agree?”

“What if I don't want to go slow?”

Karlus laughed, all the while grinning brightly as if he had a juicy secret.

“ I see you’re an impatient woman. It is a trait many American women possess.”

He then stopped and turned his head away. Peering off into the distance then added, “Your will is stronger than I imagined. You remind me of someone who I loved deeply.”

I could tell whoever this person was who he spoke of was someone who was no longer a part of his life. Either through desertion, death, or some other forced separation. The solemn expression that hung heavy on his chiseled face spoke of the admission that he hadn't said.

Stepping closer I reached out to rest my hand on his chest. He tensed beneath my touch, but gingerly rested his hand over mine.

“Karlus, I didn't travel so far from home to not experience life. If you want more from me you have my permission to act on impulses.”

He then released a restricted breath, as his hands cuffed the sides of my face. His eyes looked meaningfully into mine and he kissed me. It was so sweet and tender that it nearly broke my heart to see how affectionate he could be.

When he relinquished his ownership of my lips I felt light as a feather as a swarm of emotions flooded me.

“Again, it has been a pleasure to spend the day with you, I shall call upon you soon,” he whispered against my lips.

I exhaled, as our eyes connected.

Still recovering from the soul-owning kiss he had given me I walked inside. All the while feeling like I was walking on clouds.

Then I heard nothing from him for two days, not even a text. Didn’t he say he would call? Nevertheless, I refused to let his fickleness dictate if I was going to enjoy my time in Venice, so I continued doing everything I possibly could to keep myself occupied.

I went sightseeing and used the amenities of my hotel, the spas, and the dining facilities. On the fourth day of my stay, I ventured out to the local markets. The people were so accommodating, even with my lackluster mastery of Italian. Thank God for the translation app on my phone.

I was shopping at a local market for fresh fruits, trying desperately to explain to the lady that I didn't want three bundles of bananas, only three bananas. I had my app opened and ready to translate when my phone rang. I froze, at first not recognizing the number. Then I realized it was Karlus. I momentarily forgot how to breathe.

I stepped away from the merchant; to a secluded bench across the street, shaded by a tree. I took several breaths before answering.

"Hello," I tried my best to sound calm, but my stomach was doing flips the entire time.

"Amara, it is so good to hear your voice. Have I caught you at a bad time?"

"No, not at all. What's up?"

"I know this is the last minute, but a friend of mine has this art gala he is hosting tonight. If you are available, I would like you to attend."

I smiled so hard my cheeks ached. I was so ecstatic Somehow I managed to quiet my excitement long enough to answer yes. From there, I agreed to meet him in the lobby of my hotel, at six o’clock.

That evening, I dressed in my best cocktail dress. I chose a sleek black off-shoulder cocktail dress and adorned myself with tasteful jewelry I bought at a local boutique.

After dressing, I went down to the lobby of my hotel. No sooner than after taking a seat did he come through the doors, looking like he had stepped off the pages of GQ magazine. I stood, smoothing out the non-existent wrinkles of my dress clumsily with my suddenly clammy hands. He spotted me right away.

The look of admiration in his eyes was breathtaking. He let out a long wolf whistle and commanded that I do a twirl for him. Gleefully I obeyed loving the attention he was giving me. All along praying, he found me irresistible.

"You are a vision," he said. He took my hand in his hand, and kissed it, this time in a chaste manner. Perhaps because we would be late if we were to linger.

"Shall we take our leave?” He asked.

“Yes, we shall,”’ I replied.

He then held his crooked arm out and I linked my with his. Exiting the hotel, my jaw dropped when the valet opened the door of a sleek black Lamborghini. I glanced at Karlus who nudged me to take a seat.

As the valet shut the door. I began to piece together that Karlus was quite wealthy.

“Haven’t you ever ridden in a Lamborghini?” Karlus asked. As he took a seat behind the wheel.

I shook my head.

“Would you like for me to show you how fast it can go?” Karlus asked. A mischievous grin slowly spread across his face.

I should have said no, but I smirked and answered, “Yes.”

He peeled off onto the street. The narrow ancient pavement had probably never seen such action. Karlus masterfully handled the curbs and dodged between cars like a stunt driver.

I gripped the “oh s**t handles,” for all they were worth. Regretting giving him permission to be reckless. He then rested a hand on my exposed mid-thigh and gave me a reassuring squeeze. His dark eyes darted in my direction, and his pearl-white teeth glimmered as the streetlights illuminated his features.

I realized he enjoyed shocking me, catching me off guard. Well, I decided two can play that wicked game. Placing my hand on top of his I moved his hand further up my thigh. His eyes zoned in on the road before him as a muscle in his jaw ticked.

“Amara, what are you doing?” He questioned.

Yet he spoke as if it was a warning but I refused to heed.

Nevertheless, my bravado began to wane when his fingers were inches from my core. I looked at him, and his eyes briefly connected with mine. Yes, I desired him, craved him, but I couldn't throw myself at him. Pleading with my eyes I hoped he would meet me halfway, and he did.

Karlus continued to eye the road ahead. His fingertips began to stroke my sensitive bud through the lacey fabric of my undergarment. Part of me thought I had imagined his touch until he pressed firmer to caress me. Waves of ecstasy overwhelmed me. I tossed my head back and shut my eyes as I endured his pleasureful strokes.

Lost in my quest to satisfy my carnal needs. I was only vaguely aware of the dangerous speed of the car. Buildings and lights whizzed by, cars honking as Karlus swerved in and out of traffic. I was panting, my hand over his pressing him to stroke harder, to go faster. I gripped the handle of the door, and I screamed his name as I achieved my release.

The car suddenly halted. We were in front of a building that looked like a museum. Karlus removed his hand from between my legs, and with his eyes set on my surely flushed face. He licked the wetness of my arousal from his fingers.

“Are you ready?” Karlus questioned.