Clearing Up

Clearing Up
The next day..

Orely

I am under the blanket, rising slowly after the noisy sound of waves crashing against the cliff and the faint cries of a few seagulls, probably on the hunt for breakfast. Santiago is there, beside me, asleep with a peaceful, relaxed face. I can't help looking at him, his slightly mussed hair adding a touch of casual charm to his appearance. Athletic and muscular, I run my fingers over his broad and sculpted torso, working my way up to his bulging pecs.

With the cover only partially covering his bottom, my eyes rest for a few minutes on his abs, which are well defined under the sun's gentle rays, revealing smooth, tanned skin. Handsome and attractive, this man exudes an aura of strength. He also evokes a certain gentleness, creating the perfect balance between power and charisma.

I never thought I would say this, but the revelation of a mobster charmed me. I had not imagined that the night before, after I had slept with him, he had confessed his feelings to me. A man like him, a silent and feared mafioso, would confirm his feelings to me. Yet that morning, everything seemed different.
Maybe it is also the fact that I have not had dinner that gives this effect, because I too was in on the act, telling him I liked him the first day we met.

I recall our shared moments on that huge, beautiful bed, where our souls were revealed, I would say. Nevertheless, in a way, I feel lucky to be gradually discovering this side of him. With tenderness, I nibble my lower lip, admiring every detail and line of his arms. Sleepy, he is both strong and vulnerable, a combination that fascinates me. Lost in my thoughts, staring at him but with my mind elsewhere, Santiago starts to move and his eyes slowly open. A smile appears on his lips.

"Good morning, my pretty." He murmured, his voice still hoarse from sleep.

"Good morning." I answered shyly, trying to hide my embarrassment.

He straightens slightly, instinctively wrapping his big arms around me, kissing my hair.

"Did you sleep well? I would like to wake up every day like this, seeing your beautiful face in the morning."

"Yes, like a dormouse."

"So, let's go take a shower and then I will take you to see something."

"See what?"

"You'll see." He says, winking at me.

What is he planning now? Well, the sooner we are done, the better I'll know. I shake my head, looking at him intently, and we head for the bathroom. He grabs me by the waist and leads me into the shower. He holds me down with his right hand while his left turns on the faucet, causing us to scream at the cold water. He could not resist kissing my body as I brush my teeth. I must say, it is very nice to have such a warm welcome on such a good morning and I've always had this habit of brushing my teeth in the shower.

After an invigorating shower, we head off to the dining room for breakfast. At last I am out of this room, or rather this luxurious prison. I notice Santiago watching me in a strange way, but he does not say anything.



Santiago

Following a good morning meal, I take Orely to the seaside. I hold her hand as we walk along the fine sand. The sound of the waves caresses the shore, creating a soothing scene around us. As I expected, she stops dead in her tracks and lets go of my hand, her eyes wide with wonder as she sees the sea as a beautiful blue carpet filled with diamonds glittering under the sun's rays. I am delighted to see her reaction, letting out a smile as I introduce her to this little corner of paradise. With her hair blowing in the sea breeze, I felt fulfilled to be sharing this moment with her. But since yesterday, and again this morning, her reactions have made my lips burn to ask her. I wanted to know what could put her in such a state. I turn to her, my smile fading slightly.

"Don't you have something to tell me, after I have confessed my feelings for you yesterday?"

"What makes you say that?"

"From the expression on your face and the way you reacted, it made me feel that something was bothering you."

Orely looks down, lost in the tumult of the waves. She hesitates for a moment before taking a deep breath.

"When you confessed your feelings to me, your brother appeared in my mind." She replied, her voice trembling with nervousness.

Andrés? What had he done to make Orely lose her temper as soon as he appeared out of nowhere in her thoughts?

"What does Andrés have to do with all this? Is there something I don't know?"