Since we descended, Rusty had his arm around me until we reached the cottage. Everyone was silent and looked at Rusty and me with surprise, which raised my eyebrows. Especially when I saw Tatiana seated beside Arik, her body almost leaning against his arm.
In utter annoyance, I sat at the far end of the long bench and quietly helped myself to some food. Rusty followed suit, taking a seat next to me, which made me smile at his action."Where were you guys?"Arik's question nearly made me lift my gaze, not just because of his question but also the tone. It always seemed threatening. I didn't intend to answer, but Rusty did it for me.Tatiana remained by Arik's side, only shifting her gaze toward me when she noticed my stare. I pursed my lips when she sighed and avoided eye contact."We were just at the rock formation nearby," he casually answered Arik while I focused on peeling shrimp for myself."What were you doing thHe's running his hands down and around my bare thighs up and up again, up past my ribs, around my lower back and down again, just past my hip bone. His fingers hook around the laces of my underwear and I gasp when he finally removes it. I felt a bit embarrassed when I noticed that he paused, so I closed my legs."Stop it..." he whispered and suddenly, his lips touched my bare stomach."Arik...please!" I fucking moaned while begging.I couldn't recognize my own voice there. He was teasing me, and I couldn't even reach him to continue. After a while, I felt him move between my legs, so I sat up, but he insisted and parted my legs."A-Arik, wait...what are you-"Before I could even continue my words, I suddenly felt his tongue between my swollen folds, it led to me feeling completely weak.. It's just a whisper of a kiss but something collapses in my skull. It's a feather-light brush of his mouth against my skin in a place I can't q
It was already noon when I woke up from a deep sleep once again. After Arik told me that, we decided to rest inside the hut. He seemed surprised by my lack of shock, but I assured him that I already knew. Aside from the fact that the disease was progressing swiftly in his brain.What can I do to help him? Lord, tell me, please. Anything. I will do anything to help him.When I looked for Arik around the hut, he wasn't there, so I decided to go downstairs carrying the food he had prepared for me earlier.As I was still on the steps of the hut, I heard a woman's voice from the large cottage in the middle of the area, so I hurried my steps. I even witnessed Rusty quickly exiting the hut intended for him, appearing angry from his expression.Out of curiosity, I rushed straight to the cottage only to find him with her. My anger flared up immediately when I saw her approach Arik, who had his back turned in my direction.I placed the tr
"I don't need your apologies, Arik. Let me be until I understand why you did that to her. I don't want to be unfair to you. I don't want to—""No, please. I'm sorry. I was just startled. It was all my instinct. I know I needed to help her, and I did, without considering your feelings . . . and I'm sorry. I really am. Please . . ." He pleaded with me, quickly taking my hand again.I allowed him to hold my hand tightly. I just looked at him while he did. I looked into his eyes. They were still filled with concern, a concern I didn't see in him when he rescued Tatiana earlier.I knew this was just my jealousy consuming me, which was why I was acting like this. I knew I'd be in the wrong if I let this jealousy consume me entirely. But I couldn't help it! I want to cry! What is happening to me?I was about to speak again when Rusty suddenly arrived, calling for Arik. He briefly glanced at me before excusing himself to approach Rusty. I sa
His gaze focused more on me. It deepened, piercing into my soul. I saw him take a sip of the beer while still keeping his gaze fixed on me. I'm starting to feel uneasy because of the way he's looking at me.He is looking—no, he's staring at me until it reaches my soul. He's staring at me as if he adores me so much. He's staring at me as if I'm the only person he's seeing right now.He is so entrancing. His eyes are so captivating and I can't get enough of it. I absolutely love his brown eyes.He was dreamy. His eyes were dreamy. I was lost in those brown eyes, and I never wanted to be found. I loved the way he looked at me.In a moment, he took another sip of his beer. I thought our staring would end there, but I was mistaken.I felt a rush of excitement when suddenly he stood up and said something to Noah and Rusty before heading towards me, leaving the guitar with Rusty.I immediately averted my gaze as he nea
"I can't confine you to this situation and watch you struggle when I know there might still be a way for you to be free and happy. I'm scared you'll leave me, yes, I am, but I'm even more terrified of seeing you suffer while waiting for my return... for my memories to resurface. I've seen that before."I didn't know how to react. My gaze dropped to my trembling hands on my lap, tears streaming down uncontrollably."C-Celeste…" Arik's broken voice called out to me.I quickly looked at him. My heart sank further as I saw the immense pain and sorrow in his eyes. I felt like the sky and earth had collapsed on me."A-Arik, please… Don't…" I stuttered. My own words choked me.He looked so helpless, and I felt utterly powerless. Especially when he sadly smiled at me."I'm sorry, baby, but please, if I ever forget you... don't wait for me to remember you again. Don't confine yourself and your heart to me.
There are stories of individuals who went missing and were later found lifeless, having met with accidents or worse. What if that happens to him? I can't bear the thought.Quietly, I slipped into Rusty's car while he was making continuous calls to Arik's friends and acquaintances. If Arik had taken his phone when he left, everything would have been so much easier, but he didn't. He left in haste, just wanting to get away from me."Have you spoken with his doctor? Maybe Arik mentioned something to him before you found out everything," Rusty suggested, offering me an idea.I cleared my throat and glanced at Rusty, who was focused on driving."Hi, doc. It's me, Celeste. Arik is missing right now. He suddenly had an episode. He can't remember me," I started.I heard him excuse the nurse before responding. I could sense his worried sigh."I had a feeling this might happen. Did he take his medication last night?"
"Where are you headed?" Oliver asked as I packed the lunchbox and the food I placed inside."Are you taking that to him?" he asked again, which I just ignored. I heard him chuckle, so I gave him a sharp look."You know what? If you have nothing good to say, don't bother talking to me," I retorted. I almost threw the plate at him.He burst into laughter. "What? I'm not saying anything. I was just asking you a question.""You're mocking me. Don't put words in my mouth, Ols. You'll regret teasing me," I warned him.His laughter intensified, leaving me exasperated. After packing the food, I prepared to leave but noticed Oliver's serious expression as he looked at me, sipping water."I know. You don't need to remind me again. Mommy has reminded me numerous times," I said, guessing what he wanted to convey.He shrugged and hugged me. He took the lunchbox and walked out of the mansion with me. I suppose he's also
"Yes. Dad wants to see you, so come. Aunt and uncle from the States are also coming. If you want, bring a date," Rusty said, glancing at me."A date? Fucking corny. Who would I bring? Plus, I thought it was just for dinner?" Arik asked, doing something on his phone."Yeah, it is, but bring someone along anyway. I've got a plus one. You might feel left out without a date.""Fuck you, Serrano! I can pull any woman I want if that's what your cocky attitude implies," Arik retorted. He's right. He's very right because he's still not free from the ghosts of his past relationships. Damn it."Just bring any woman you want, fucker," Rusty said, sitting in front of us.Arik looked up at him."Hmm. Can I bring Celeste instead? Since you said you've got someone. Won't you be jealous? She said she's not taken yet."My jaw dropped because of that. I saw Rusty's broad grin as he looked at me. When I glanced back at Arik, he was looking at me serious