AUDREY'S POV
After our small talk, Liam and I decided to go strolling on the beach together. We held hands as we walk along the seashore while the waves chase our bare feet. It was almost dusk and the sky turned into a combination of gold, orange, pink and purple, making it look like a great painting. It was such scenic view to witness.
Liam and I sat on the sand as we marvel at the beautiful sunset. Liam rested my head on his shoulder, kissing the tip of my head. My heart immediately beat fast, even though I know it's nothing to him.
"Remember the days we used to go to beaches when we were kids? This feels like the old times," Liam muttered and sighed.
"Yeah, we were really close back then," I commented.
Liam didn't answer, but when I look at him, he was looking afar, beyond the glimmering horizon. I don't know what's on his mind, but I wished it was me and our memories.
"What happened to us, Liam?" I asked, almost whispering, afraid that he might get mad with my question.
To my surprise, Liam looked at me and held my hand. He sighed, but he didn't let go of my hand.
"I don't know," he uttered, his eyes were fixed on the horizon.
I didn't say a word. I just sat still and observed the surroundings. The beach property is private, and so, it is quiet except for the sound of the waves and the whispering wind.
Soon after, when the sun has finally sunk behind the mountains, we decided to have a swim. I removed my cover-up and walked towards the calmness of the sea. The cold water hugged my almost naked body. I swam into the depth of the sea and tested my breathing, and when I was almost out of breath, I rose above the waters. I gasped for air when Liam suddenly enclosed me into a hug.
"You scared me, Audrey. Don't do that again," he whispered without letting me go.
"I'm okay, Liam. This is my way of relieving my stress," I explained and smiled at him.
"Just don't do it again, I almost had a heart attack," he scolded me, but for some reason, it made me smile. It made me feel as though he cared for me too.
"You don't have to worry about me, I'm perfectly fine. And besides, I can handle myself, Liam," I said and smiled at him again.
I don't know why, but I sure liked this version of Liam. The one who cares about me, thinks of me and worries about me. However, I knew I shouldn't take this all seriously because the moment we step back into our reality, everything will become a memory.
"Why are you suddenly quiet, Audrey?" he guided me back into the shore, his hand resting on my waist.
"Nothing, I was just thinking of something," I replied.
"Let's head back and shower. It's almost dinner time," Liam suggested.
"Yeah, besides, it's getting a little chilly out here." I grabbed my cover-up and wrapped it around myself, though I still feel cold.
"Are you feeling cold?" Liam asked.
I nodded at him and continued walking. I was a bit surprised when he walked beside me and put his arms around my shoulder, making me feel warmer.
When we reached the villa, I immediately went inside our room and took a shower. I shook my head, our parents have obviously prepared for this. This villa has only room and one bed!
"I'm gonna shower first," I said without glancing at Liam.
I went into the bathroom and removed my undies. I showered as fast as I can. I went out of the bathroom, wearing a robe. I was stunned to see Liam outside the bathroom. I gulped when my eyes raked his well-toned body. I immediately looked away when I noticed his smirk.
"Looks like my wife is fantasizing me, isn't she?" He asked as he moved forward and trapped me in his arms.
"I'm not— take your shower now, Liam. I'll just get dressed." I pushed him a little and looked for something to wear while he was inside the bathroom.
I finally settled on a blue sleeveless bodycon dress. It has a plunging neckline which revealed my cleavage. I partnered it with a flat sandal, I didn't wear heels since we're on the beach. I blow-dried my hair and didn't bother to style it, simply letting it fall to the sides. I applied a little bit of cheek and lip tint so I wouldn't look pale. When I was done, I looked at my reflection in the mirror and noticed how my eyes are twinkling.
Am I happy? Maybe I am.
I prepared Liam's clothes while waiting for him to finish his bath. When he went out of the bathroom, I instantly felt mixed emotions while looking at him. Droplets of water fell from his wet hair down to his chest. My mouth went dry as I followed the water down to his covered manhood. I gasped when I realized I've been staring at his maleness, which was slowly erecting.
"Whatever you're doing now, stop it, Audrey. I am trying so damn hard to stop myself from ravishing you right now," he said in a hoarse voice.
I looked away, feeling so ashamed and undecided. I don't how to react or what to do. We've never been intimate before. we never even kissed, aside from the one we shared on our wedding day. I shook my head to stop myself from thinking about having a steamy night with him.
"I-I'll just wait for you outside," I said, stammering.
I walked out of the room with my head bowing down. I waited patiently in the living room. I tried to look around to divert my attention, but the moment I heard the creaking of the door, I immediately stiffened. My eyes darted to Liam who was now wearing a denim pants, a casual V-neck T-Shirt and a white sneakers. I scanned him and my eyes lingered on his plump lips. A sly smile crossed his lips before he walked to my place and offered his hand.
We headed into the front porch where a romantic dinner for two was set-up, courtesy of our parents. Liam pulled the chair and motioned for me to sit.
"Thank you," I said sincerely as I took my seat.
He then sat in front of me. I took the chance to observe our surroundings. The air was cold as it touched my bare shoulders. The porch was well-lit, aside from the beam coming from the bright moonlight. There were two plates and utensils provided. Out of nowhere, two servers approached us and served our meal. We started eating while having conversations in between and feeling the serenity of the surroundings.
"What do you think of the food?" Liam suddenly asked.
I glanced at him and caught him looking intently at me. I didn't know how to act so I chose to look sideways before glancing back to him, giving him a half-smile. I'm so not used to seeing him smile or giving me much attention.
"The food is great, it's actually delicious," I replied cautiously.
"I thought so," Liam agreed and smiled at me. My heart immediately raced upon seeing his radiant smile. If only he could smile at me like this everyday.
I reminded myself to guard my feelings. I love him, that's for sure, but Liam despises me. He's only treats me this way because our parents are around. I know, when we get back home, I'll be invisible to him again. I can't help but to feel saddened by my situation. I used to imagine a fairytale-like romance with him, but now, I'm fully aware that it will only be a dream.
"You okay?" I jolted out of my reverie when I felt Liam's hand on mine. His eyes showed concern and I almost believed him. Unfortunately, it only made me feel worse knowing that I will miss this kind of treatment from him.
"Don't mind me, I'm okay. I am just enjoying the place," I said, half-heartedly.
"Oh, yes. This is indeed a beautiful place, it makes us forget responsibilities and problems, I guess," he replied and glanced around.
This place is actually enchanting, it makes me want to just stay here forever. However, I know it's impossible for commitments await us. No matter how magical this place may seem, everything will be back to normal once we leave this place.
After our dinner, the servers left us with a bottle of red wine to enjoy. Liam poured an ample amount on my glass. We toast and drank our wine. I removed my sandal and stood on the railings on the porch while looking at the vast sea. I felt Liam's presence beside me as his manly scent intoxicated me.
Liam stood behind me and locked me in between his arms. He rested his chin on my shoulders, his growing stubbles are tickling me.
"You know what I feel right now?" his voice sounded hoarse and low in my ears, making the hair on my nape rise.
"W-what?" I stuttered, trying as much to avoid his gaze.
To my surprise, Liam turned me around, making me face him. His eyes lingered on mine, like he was trying to delve into my eyes and read my thoughts. I gulped when his eyes moved down and stopped on my slightly parted lips.
"I'm envious of the sea, it seems like it's more appealing to you than I am. Am I not attractive, Audrey? Are you not interested in me? Haven't you dreamed about me?" Liam asked successively.
My throat went dry and my mind went blank. It seemed like I couldn't think of anything apart from his eyes, which are now dark with lust. Am I hallucinating?
"Everytime I close my eyes, I can see you in that hot pink bikini. I couldn't get that image of you out of my mind, Audrey. Have you bewitched me?" He whispered and leaned closer to me.
I held his chest and tried to stop him, but I was so weak. My knees were trembling with anticipation, my breathing became heavy. Liam slowly moved his face, our lips were just an inch away from each other. My mouth gaped open as I tried to say something, but I couldn't seem to find my voice. It's like all my protests were drowned and all that's left was this insatiable feeling of excitement.
"I vowed not to kiss you again, but that luscious lips of yours have given me countless nightmares. I could still remember the feel of your soft, warm lips on mine. And no matter how I despise you, I couldn't deny the fact that you have possessed my dreams. Oh, how I longed to take you, my sweet Audrey, my wife," he said before he claimed my lips in a slow, passionate kiss.
I stood still, but my eyes automatically closed. I found myself wrapping both of my arms around his neck for support. I pulled him closer to me to deepen our kiss. He continued to kiss me as he guided me back inside the villa. When we reached our room, he immediately locked the door and pushed me into the bed.
"There's no turning back, mi amore. Tonight, you're gonna be mine."