Burning desire

As the sun was getting down, Joan watched Alexia's unyielding love for her daughter, Rita, as he found himself falling deeply for her. He loved her fierce resilience in the midst of the darkness surrounding her, which had been a beacon of hope for things.

They sat together on the couch, Alexia dishing out food on the plate. He held her hands, gazing at her. “How do you do it? How do you keep going even when things are becoming complicated for your comfort?”

Alexia chuckled a bit, her brown eyes scanned with admiration. “I do this for my twin's kids”. She said, serving the last dish on her plate.

“I want to give them the best possible life, they are my everything, and I'll do whatever it takes to come out of Bruce's web.”

Joan swallowed hard, still starring at her with admiration. “You're an amazing mother,” he said, his voice low though filled with sincerity. “I'm sorry for the commotion I have made to make life a bit tough,"

Alexia's cheeks beamed with pleasure, she looked away, trying so hard to hide her emotions. Joan saw the little tears in her eyes, pulled her hands close to his chest.

“I'll always be there for you,” he said, continuing having his food.

After the meal, they both spend hours talking, sharing their dreams, their fears and insecurities. Alexis turned to Joan and asked, “What's your greatest fear?”. He hesitated, then he looked into her eyes before saying a word. “My greatest fear is losing someone I love.” He said, his voice low despite being mean.

“I'm sorry to ask you this.” She said, “I know how it feels losing your loved one.” She added.

“Have you ever reached out to the family so you can identify yourself?” She asked, leaning against the couch.

“I'm not ready to face them. They never looked for me, so it's pointless.” He spat, his voice--venmous.

“Forget about me, Alexia. Let's bring your daughter back to your custody.” She nodded slowly, without saying any words.

“I care about your well-being, their well-being as well.” Joan said, moving closer to her as the space between them became so thin.

“I care alot, deeply,” he whispered, drawing his lips closer to hers as he parted them apart a little.

Alexia's lips pressed into his with a radiant smile. “I care about you too, Joan,” she said. “About your past. I want to know more about you.” 

He moved her body closer to his, put his hands on her lips. 

Alexia could never imagine how sweet it would be again after years as he gently pulled away from her, and then again kissed her body from her chest.

“You're so beautiful, both inside and outside.” He said while clutching his hand around her body.

“Joan, this is not the right time for this.” she said softly, her lips yielding for more. He gently kissed her forehead, as it made her want more, but he separated himself from her.

“How do you feel,?” He whispered to her ear, “Joan isn't right…,” she yearned while she enjoyed the pleasure within.

“Mummy,” Rita called, walked inside the house, distracting the both as they separated from each other.

Joanstood, holding hands with Alexia as Rita dragged them to the staircase. Joan couldn't help but notice the way her eyes sparkled when she smiled back at him, and he couldn't help also, but his heart skipped a beat like a magnet close to each other. 

Alexia noticed the way Joan's eyes locked onto her corner when he smiled. He turned to Alexia  and asked,

“Would you like to go out for dinner tonight? Maybe we could try it ad our official night?”

She smiled, her face lit up with excitement. “I'd love to,” she responded. “But I can't live with Rita here in the house, I won't dare.”

Joan smiled, his eyes narrowed slowly. “I will take care of her safety.” He said, “you don't need to worry about her, I will take care of everything.”

“Mummy, you don't need to worry about me,” Rita replied, busy with her snacks.

“I will go to the games,” she waved her hands. “I want to be a united mummy. Go and have fun.” She responded.

Joan smiled profusely, giving her chill around. “Can we go now?,” he asked. Alexia nodded as they drove down to the dinner date.

****

“Thank you for tonight,” she said, her voice barely low.

“I feel like I've gotten to know you better, love every detail.”

Joan smiled, his eyes narrowed while looking at her. “I feel the same about you,” he said. “I'm so grateful for giving me your time. It is worth the effort.”

“We can do it often, Alexia. I want to take everything seriously,” he said. Alexia widened her eyes as it came as a shock.

“I mean no fake relationship, I think I'm falling for you,” he added, pulling her hands close to him as he kissed her thump.

Alexia was speechless at the moment, not knowing what to say, “Joan, I think we need to figure this out.” She said softly, gazing her eyes at his.

“This isn't the right time for this,” she said, pulling away from him, her head bent low.

“We can't be in love,” she said. Joan couldn't understand what she was saying,

“What do you mean?” He asked, his voice firm. 

“I need space to think about this “ She repeated once more, as she quickly stood up from the seat quietly.

“Alexia!” Joan called, tried to move closer, but she took one step away.

“Joan, not this time,” she said, picked up her bags and dashed to the car. 

The silence between them grew colder as the driver drove back to the estate, Alexia's mind, mixed with feelings of doubt and fear of losing out a friend soon after the night. 

“Goodnight, Alexia,” he said, moved closer to her and planted a kiss on her forehead.

“I won't let what transpired, get in between our friendship or deal,” he said softly in her ear.

Just then, Alexia grabbed his mouth, locked her mouth to his. The kiss was tense as they both wanted to burn the desire inside. She pulled away from him, “I need you, Joan,” she said softly as their kisses deepened.