Chapter 75 THE DISTANCE
“Yes, I am prepared.” I stared at him firmly. “How long?”
“Oh, you businessmen, always concerned with time,” Nathaniel said, shaking his finger as he walked away. “It will take longer than you want and shorter than you imagine.”
“That doesn’t answer my question,” I replied.
“You’re asking the wrong questions, young man,” the monk answered vehemently.
My phone vibrated, indicating a new message from Elisabeth. I opened it, happy to receive a file from her book, and started to reply when the monk stopped and turned to me.
“We don’t allow the use of these electronic devices; they corrupt the soul with their noise,” he said, narrowing his eyes and continuing to stare at me until I put the phone away. “Excellent, can we begin?”
Days passed. At the end of each day, I sent a code via text to Greg, signaling that I was okay. When he called me, I was surprised.
“Greg, did something happen?” I tried to keep a neutral tone.
“You sound weak, my friend. Are you feeling alright?” he responded after a moment of silence. “Nothing happened.”
“Then why did you call? You know I can't use the phone during the ritual,” I sighed dryly.
“She’s freaking out with the lack of your response. She doesn’t know what’s going on; her traumas are resurfacing; Elisabeth is afraid of losing you,” Greg said all at once, catching me off guard.
“I can’t deal with that now, my friend. I need you to calm her down somehow.” I sighed, feeling exhausted. “Let her know I’m okay and will return soon.”
Another moment of silence filled the air.
“Just say it, Greg. You can tell me that you warned me about getting her involved, that it wasn't fair of me, and that I knew the implications!” My tone was already exasperated.
“I don't need to state the obvious!” he replied firmly. “Just send her a message saying you're okay, alright?”
“Why are you so concerned about Elisabeth? Are you two involved?” I nearly shouted into the phone, consumed by jealousy.
“Have you lost your mind during this ritual?” Greg exploded, clearly upset. “Patrick, she loves you. If you feel the same way that I believe you do, then just give her a response.”
“Sorry.” I muttered, rubbing my temples. “It's not going as expected; my hopes have dwindled.”
“If I could do something,” he murmured resignedly.
“I know, my friend!” I sighed, seeing the monk giving me a stern look from the stairs. “I'll be back soon; take care of her for me.”
“Patrick, wait.”Greg spoke, alarmed. “The situation set up by Heloise, the photo is in all the newspapers.”
“I'll deal with it when I return.” I gripped the phone tightly. “Talk to you soon.”
I hung up and opened Elisabeth's messages, replying:
“If it were just about desire and feelings, I'd never leave your side. I'll be back soon, my apprentice.”
I walked over to Nathaniel.
“Sorry.” I kept my eyes fixed on my phone.
“It's hard not to worry about the outside world, Mr. Morgan, but if you've come with an open mind in search of a cure, you need to let go of what concerns you for now and focus on what you need.” He spoke gently. “Please, let's go inside; it's cold, and you shouldn't catch a chill. We'll have some tea.”
“Alright, more root teas.” I grimaced, making him laugh. “I miss my coffee.”
“You Americans complain about the bitter taste of roots and enjoy the bitter taste of coffee beans, go figure!” The elderly man chuckled.
A week passed, and finally, I was returning home. I arrived at the mansion at night, going through all the checks and staying alert. I entered, searching for Elisabeth. Furthermore, I went straight to the bedroom but didn't find her. I walked through the entire house until the security informed me she was by the pool. I loosened my tie, undressing along the way, and remained in just my underwear. Furthermore, I sat at the edge of the pool, admiring her serene beauty as she floated in the water with her eyes closed, wearing a thin bikini that would make any man sigh. I entered the water slowly, diving and grabbing her from underneath, startling her. She tried to drown me.
“Lis, it's me; stop!” I laughed as I saw her freeze in place.
“Are you crazy?” She shouted nervously, hitting my chest. “You almost gave me a heart attack and drowned me.”
“Hey? You're the one who tried to drown me.” I teased her, pulling her closer and inhaling her fragrant hair.
“I should've drowned you.” She frowned, pushing me away. “Where were you? Why didn't you respond to me? Do you have any idea how scared I was?”
I pulled her by the wrist, pressing our bodies together and kissing her lips eagerly, full of longing. Not a day had gone by without me thinking of my bold and strong-willed apprentice. I guided her to the shallow end of the pool, where we could stand, leaving her mouth and moving to her neck and the edge of her bra.
“You look so tempting in such a thin bikini.” I brushed against the fabric, running my tongue over it and around it, using my mouth to release it.
“Patrick, you just disappeared, and all you have to say is lewd stuff?” She held my face, examining it carefully. “What happened?”
I pulled her by the nape of her neck, pressing our foreheads together, still breathless and filled with desire.
“I missed you, Elisabeth, and today all I want is to satisfy this intense craving I have for you.” I slid a hand between her thighs, gently squeezing, tracing a finger over her clothed entrance, and caressing it. “And don't deny it by saying you don't want the same; I feel it burning here.”
I pushed her pants aside, teasingly inserting a finger, withdrawing it, and massaging her sensitive spot. Hearing her gasp in my ear, I supported her body against the pool wall. I lifted my free hand, releasing the bikini strap, exposing her beautiful and succulent breasts to me.
“Damn it, Patrick.” She moaned, biting her lips and pulling me close, grabbing my hair and kissing my lips in a fiery kiss. “I missed you too!”
I smiled, discarding my underwear and slowly penetrating, kissing her neck down to her breasts, where her erect nipples begged to be explored, sucked, and taken with such desire.