Love in Red Numbers

Kisses and Regrets

Ava sat in silence in the spacious limousine on the way back to Daniel’s luxurious apartment. Her eyes shifted from her lavish dress to the cityscape, to Daniel, who also remained silent, lost in his thoughts.

The atmosphere was tense and anxious after the incident at the business dinner. Ava was filled with remorse for her impulsive reaction towards Karen and worried about the potential consequences this could have for her relationship with Daniel and her reputation at the company.

She glanced at Daniel again and saw him gazing out the window, his face displaying clear signs of annoyance. She could tell by his tight lips and furrowed brow. Seeing him that way squeezed her chest, not helping to calm her feelings.

Determined to clear the air and apologize, Ava took a deep breath and broke the silence.

“About what happened at dinner... I want to apologize, Daniel. I shouldn’t have let myself react that way. It was an impulsive act, and I feel bad for reacting that way,” Ava expressed sincerely, her voice trembling slightly.

Daniel turned his gaze away from the window and fixed it on Ava with his characteristic penetrating look. His initial annoyance changed to a compassionate one, surprising Ava.

“I know, Ava. It was a tense and complicated moment,” Daniel replied, staying calm, while he let out a sigh.

Ava felt relieved to see understanding in Daniel’s eyes, but she still blamed herself for what had happened, she couldn’t help it.

“Really, I don’t know what came over me. Karen just pushed my buttons, and I should have known how to control myself. It was a terrible reaction on my part,” she scolded herself internally.

Daniel shook his head, gently taking her small hand in his. His rough but warm hand began to caress her delicate fingers.

“Don’t blame yourself so much, Ava. Karen is a master at provoking and humiliating others. I can only imagine how you felt. Besides, I know it wasn’t just because of her; it has also been a stressful day for you with all the tensions at work, which is new to you. It’s understandable,” he replied with understanding, nodding as if to convince himself of what he had said.

Ava nodded as well, grateful for Daniel’s understanding. He was the most peaceful man she had ever met, although she hadn’t known him for long, she knew that he preferred a peaceful environment.

“You’re right; these have been very stressful days, and everything has piled up. But that doesn’t justify my behavior,” she admitted, feeling the weight of responsibility.

Daniel smiled gently at her. The pronounced age lines on the sides of his face confirmed to her that it was a genuine smile.

“Ava, you’re human. We all make mistakes and have impulsive reactions in times of tension. The important thing is that you regret it and are willing to learn from this experience,” he expressed in a comforting tone.

Ava felt a little more relieved by Daniel’s words, but she remained restless. Her mind continued to torment her with concerns about her relationship and her own insecurity.

“It’s true that I made a mistake, but what if this affects the relationship and the plans we have? Can I overcome my insecurities and live up to what he expects of me?” she wondered internally, feeling vulnerable as she unconsciously nibbled on her acrylic nails, realizing that she had ruined the nail design.

To change the subject and distract herself from her thoughts, Daniel leaned closer to Ava and gently stroked her cheek. The driver glanced at them, realizing that Daniel was asking for privacy, and pressed the button to raise the partition that separated their seats from the rest of the car.

“Ava, I want you to know that I trust you and our relationship. A reaction in a moment of tension won’t change how I feel about you,” he reassured, looking at her with tenderness.

Ava was moved by Daniel’s words, feeling a lump in her throat. Despite her insecurities, Daniel’s affection comforted her.

“Thank you for being understanding, Daniel. Sometimes I feel like I don’t deserve your love, let alone your support,” she confessed, laying bare her deepest fears.

Daniel leaned in to get a better look at his fiancée and gently cradled her face in his hands, looking into her eyes with seriousness.

“Ava, you’re amazing. You have a strength and passion that I admire. Don’t underestimate yourself, because you deserve all the love and support I give you,” he affirmed, convinced of his words.

“Love...” Ava felt overwhelmed by the sincerity and passion in Daniel’s words. She wasn’t ready to use that word, and it made her feel even worse.

Their eyes met, and in that moment, Ava felt a mix of excitement and fear as she remembered their first kiss and how unpleasant it had been. But now, as Daniel leaned in, her heart raced. Although she still felt a bit uncomfortable about his scratchy beard and mustache, she knew she couldn’t let fear hold her back.

Daniel slowly approached and caressed her lips tenderly before kissing her gently. Ava’s lips responded, and she tried to put aside her insecurities as she gave in to the kiss.

“It’s the second kiss we shared, but I still feel insecure. Why can’t I just enjoy this moment?” she wondered inside, as the pairs of lips grazed and clashed with each other.

> > I don’t want to involve feelings in this situation, but I can’t either. I thought this would be easier! And I thought kissing someone for whom I don’t feel anything was going to be easier, “Ava continued to lecture herself as Daniel deepened the kiss further and his hand went down to her waist and squeezed her more against him.

Ava’s heart accelerated, that kiss was climbing by leaps and bounds. She parted to get air and the dark orbs of him seemed even more by the desire that reflected her countenance.

Daniel relaxed his lips and smiled, to approach her once more and kiss her much deeper than before, this time his tongue became present and Ava felt her heart come out of her chest.

The limo was moving through the streets of the city while Daniel and Ava were immersed in a passionate kiss. Although Daniel was delivered to the moment and his breathing was eager, Ava could not help but feel some discomfort. As much as she wanted to correspond to Daniel’s desire, something inside held her back.

As the kiss became more rampant, Ava began to feel overwhelmed as soon as she bowed her head and saw the crotch part of him, a huge lump peering out and she could only open her eyes with surprise, but with it she calmed down and closed her eyes again.

Daniel’s hand stroked his back and legs, and though he tried to match, she felt something was wrong. Her heart was beating fast, but not because of the desire, but because of the anxiety he experienced.

Just then, the limo reached its destination, interrupting the kiss. Daniel and Ava got out of the vehicle, their faces shaken and smiling shyly. They entered his apartment, and she was surprised to see that he had prepared a special suite just for her.

“It’s beautiful, Daniel. But why this? I don’t need you to do so much for me”, said Ava, grateful but also feeling a little restrained by all the attention.

Daniel looked at her with a smile and stroked her cheek.

“You deserve it, Ava. I want you to feel comfortable and special here. And, besides, I have something important to ask you before you go to sleep” he said “and Ava looked at it with all her attention and curiosity ” Which of your financial problems is most urgent to solve immediately?”

Ava was overwhelmed by Daniel’s generosity and importance to her well - being. Although, on the other hand, I knew that was the deal after all.

“Well, you see... My family is in trouble with the house where my mom and brothers live. I’d like to rescue her and keep her from being lost, but well... It is something I had already told you, I only prioritize it because at any moment we will lose it and they will stay in the street,” Ava replied honestly.

Daniel nodded and his expression became determined.

“Then I’ll go settle that matter as soon as possible. Tell me what requirements I need and I’ll fix it right away.”

Ava was happy to know that she could help her family thanks to Daniel. After a long farewell kiss, he wished her a happy night and walked away. She sighed with some relief, for a moment she thought Daniel would return to that passionate moment for which she did not feel completely ready.

Ava entered the suite and dropped into the luxurious bed. She was happy to be able to do something for her family, but in the midst of his joy, she heard an argument coming from across the door. Daniel’s voice sounded despotic and severe, and apparently he was yelling at Miss Franklin, Daniel’s personal governess.

Intrigued and worried, Ava stuck to the door to try to hear what they were saying. For the first time, she was afraid of Daniel’s attitude. I couldn’t understand what was going on, but I knew something wasn’t right.

With an accelerated heart and a sense of anguish, Ava took her hand to her mouth, plunged into uncertainty and fear about what was happening on the other side of the door.