When Alexus drew in several long breaths, he reminded himself that he had best get under control. After turning off the water, he dried his hands and piled plates, silverware, and napkins on the casserole and salad tray. The doctor had cautioned him not to rush Rafaella. The neurologist concluded that a concussion caused Rafaella's memory loss, the shock of the attack, or both. Her condition would probably be transient. When the time was right, she would recall her identity and the specifics of her past. He planned to take care of her and work to regain her trust throughout the remaining days, weeks, or however much time he had. Alexus considered it a good idea to phone the detective in the interim and inform him of the most recent information regarding the attack that brought his wife and children to this community. He might just be paranoid, which was unrelated to Rafaella's attack. But the investigator gave the impression that he believed the incident to be more than just a botche
"Did I get it?" To stifle the surge of yearning that raged through his veins. Alexus swallowed firmly. His voice was hoarse with desire, but he said, "No. He gritted his teeth and begged for courage when she acted again. "Has it vanished?" Alexus acknowledged that praying wouldn't help. He cared for the issue himself since he was unwilling to endure that torment again. He said, "Hold on. I'll take it." As soon as his hands touched her, Alexus understood his error. His fist-sized yearning was quickly accelerated to areas due south when he ran his thumb across the corner of her lower lip. Rafaella appeared to have come upon the same road as him based on her short breath intake and the expression of hunger and perplexity in her dark eyes. The hell with it, he thought. He slid his hand around her neck to get her closer before his guilt or reason could intervene. His mouth was crushed on hers. Just a sample, he told himself. But there was an instantaneous shock that rivaled
Rafaella took a long breath to calm her confused mind after being surprised by the romantic comparison her brain had made. She noticed his aroma as she was doing so—and male sweat. She remembered that kiss they had earlier exchanged while she was no longer gripped by the terror that had almost rendered her helpless. Once more, she felt that pull on her memory. He tasted good on her lips, she could see herself in his arms, and she could feel his mouth and hands on her body. Rafaella shook in fear. She knew the heat curling low in her belly wasn't just a reminiscence. It was a need, a feminine yearning, for Alexus to kiss her and touch her once more. "Are you feeling better now that the worst storm is over?" "Yeah, thanks for your assistance." "Hmm. You don't need to tell me that. Naturally, I will be around as your husband. We'll have rain for at least two to three days, so we're stuck in the house for a while." "Which will affect the kids' mood," she replied. "They love spending
Alexus stood up and lit the lampshade before he switched off the light. As he returned to bed, he drew the comforter over her when she rolled over. "Sure, "Thank you," she replied, smiling. Even when Alexus held her hand, she was taken aback. "Rafa, good night," he merely said. And he felt the touch of her hand. "You're a loving father, Alexus," Rafaella said. "And you're the same," he replied. "I'm so proud of having them in our lives and having you in my life." Rafaella was stunned. She did not know what to answer her husband. "Not everything that came between us was a bed of roses, but I intend to make it better this time, Rafa." "What do you mean?" "I want you in my life as long as I live..." "I cherish what we have at the moment, Alex. I hope you don't get tired of understanding me for my lack of remembering my past. And I can feel how you cherish and care for me with patience. Thank you. .." "I should be the one saying that," Alexus said after swallowing. "But I h
He put back the ice pack bag to her forehead. And as he crouched again, Rafaella tugged at his collar. "But I feel fine except for the fever..." she said. He intended to restrain himself as he went in for a short kiss. He failed to succeed. He intensified the kiss and poured his heart into it, claiming her as his when her soft mouth clung to his. He had to stop playing the part. After nearly losing her, no. In return, she clung to his shoulders and kissed him equally passionately. He let out a sigh as he gradually released her from his grip. He kissed her fingers when she reached out for him again, hoping she would understand what he was trying to express before letting go. And he was not supposed to kiss her when she had a fever, but he could not stop himself. He felt anxious. When an icy cold invaded her bones, she shook with chills. Then a delicious warmth enveloped her. He tugged his shirt around her, and she sighed in contentment that didn't last long. Soon she was boiling ag
Years later, their relationship from when she was a child had all but vanished. She had given up sharing her secrets and smiling at his jokes. He had initially felt regret that they had broken the important bond they had created when they were young. That had been demonstrated by the tragic fallout from her family's tragedy. She had kicked him out of her life and had not turned around. And now? No one knew except he was not giving her up. Before leaving the room, Alexus instructed her to holler if needed. He needed to go to calm his hormonal agitation because he was confined next to her and unable to accomplish what he wanted. Many hours were spent by Rafaella lying flat on her back with her eyes closed and her fists clenched. She was barely paying attention when Alexus warned her about her excessive breathing. She inhaled and exhaled through pursed lips, all her effort regulating her body. There was no way to know if this was how she typically handled the pressure. Was she a big ba
Even though it was late, Alexus remained up. His gaze would occasionally stray to the back of his wife and up toward the rising light coming from the lampshade on the nightstand, arm's length away from where his wife was lying in the same bed but apart from him. She wanted to go gently, and he appreciated that, although he was troubled by the wall she had built between them, regardless of her amnesia. Even in this situation, Rafaella treated him just as coldly as before. Yet, he was sure that she desired him in his manly capacity. But now that someone out there wanted to bury her, there was a trust issue. Yet he could ensure his wife would always be protected as long as she was with him. And by then, everything had returned to normal for her. He anticipated that she would have the flexibility to make their marriage work. He couldn't accept it himself, but he was troubled. He feared Rafaella would argue that their relationship was solely based on a piece of paper. With him, no. She d
Alexus raised her above him by wrapping his hands around her hips. She grinned, a siren with close-kept secrets. He wished she would reveal some of those secrets soon. He was dumbfounded by her slender body outside. She moaned boldly in ecstasy as he ran his hands over her thighs, stomach, and breasts. She leaned over him and extended herself. Much to his dismay, she closed her eyes as he slid her nipple on his tongue. He wanted her entirely with him, but as she sighed, he continued the motion that had made her feel good until she called his name in a desirous, private voice. She joined her legs behind his back as he sat up, leaning her over his arm. In the mirror on the dressing table, he could see the length of her back from behind her. His fingers followed the size of her spine. "Are you mine, Rafaella?" he murmured. She remained silent but met his gaze, and he dropped his head to taste her breast again. He moved to the other breast as a result of her throaty moan. He adored