Chapter 465: glance.
May 15
Billy was sitting, working intently on sketching out the details. These days, he enjoyed being at the mansion in Los Angeles, feeling the wind on his face as he carefully reviewed every line he drew or wrote. The sense of fulfillment from seeing everything come together brought him pure joy.
The doors opened, and there stood Monica, who had come unannounced to spend the afternoon with her lover. Her silhouette was as captivating as ever, exuding that fiery charm that was so uniquely hers. The way she moved, sensual and deliberate, carried a look in her eyes—eyes that spoke of longing, of passion waiting to ignite. It was her way of finding release.
-I spent eleven hours traveling, and all I could think about was having you in my bed to rest. I even foolishly imagined you'd meet me at the airport, but it seems I was mistaken. It's disheartening to feel replaced by a few sheets of paper, - Monica said, kissing Billy gently on the chin. She had a way of expressing her love with small gestures that proved her beauty defied the ordinary. Billy pulled her slender hips close and kissed her with the fantasy-filled passion that only she could evoke. Seeing her, with her grace and fiery essence, took his breath away.
-My sweet and beautiful woman, this house feels so empty without someone like you around, - Billy replied, holding Monica tightly as she charmed him with her affection and gentle caresses. Her eyes urged him to take her to the bedroom, to share their love in a way that was as intimate as it was mutual.
-Put me down! Oh my God, you're like a child. For a moment, I almost felt like a wife coming home after a long day at work, - she teased, laughing playfully. She often had a way of dismissing things with a radiant, crescent-moon smile that lit up her face.
-My wife has had a busy day, - Billy said, kissing her neck. Monica's eyes trembled at the way he called her that.
They tumbled onto a large sofa, where Billy kissed her cheeks and lavished her with affection. Monica, as always, moved to her rhythm, their love binding them in ways both grounding and transcendent.
-Do you want to eat here, or should we go out for dinner? - Billy asked, noticing the glimmer of love in her eyes. She nodded toward going out, her lips brushing against his in a soft kiss.
-I slept through most of the trip. First class is something, but my back and neck hurt a little. There was some turbulence, and the time zone change gave me a slight headache. I need lots of water and a salad. Though tomorrow, I wouldn't mind having that berry sauce dessert—or apple pie. It would be delicious. That sauce, it's divine… though I wouldn't say no to pie, either, - Monica admitted. She had a weakness for sweets when she was tired, and her filming schedules often left her completely drained.
-Berries are one of your great weaknesses, - Billy said softly, planting a kiss on her lips, filled with character and longing.
-They always have been, - Monica replied, her gaze lingering. - Even more than you. -
Billy kissed her again, a kiss that felt like ice melting into warmth, bridging the spaces that sometimes separated them. They kissed deeply, filled with tenderness and passion, fortifying their love with every touch.
-I'm jealous of the berries now. I want them too, but only if I can taste them from your lips, - Billy murmured, kissing her again, each kiss a serene and deliberate act of connection.
-Let's stay like this. Tomorrow, you owe me a tour of all the places you haven't taken me to yet—I deserve it, - Monica said, kicking off her heels as she sashayed toward the bedroom, her hips swaying rhythmically, seductive, and full of life.
Their luggage lay nearby as they settled in, their movements a mix of grace and ease. Under the covers, they watched a few movies until nightfall, sharing a light meal of fruit salad and pasta. They reveled in the pleasure of being together before drifting off to sleep, wrapped in each other's arms until morning light filled the room.
May 16
With little work to do, they indulged in an extra day of relaxation, basking in the warmth of the weekend. The rehearsals with Kate had gone exceptionally well, yielding fruitful results.
-Winona is coming to see us, - Monica murmured, her signature tone carrying across the room. - She'll be here around noon. We'll cook something and head out in the afternoon. That's better, don't you think? I think we've earned a couple more hours of rest. This bed is so warm, and my breaks feel as long as they should have always been. Let's indulge in laziness—after all, with so much rest, my routine feels so intense. You've rubbed off on me, you know, with your tireless work ethic. -
Billy kissed her forehead before heading to the shower. He had unfinished work—a project demanding his attention.
The upcoming release of Altered Carbon was imminent, as was The Expanse, adding to the growing list of novels he was churning out. He was nearing the conclusion of the first arc of Hunter x Hunter with Chapter 58, where Gon rescued Killua from his family and the quartet parted ways. Similarly, the initial 20 chapters of Yu-Gi-Oh! were nearly complete, ready to transition into a pause as an animated series took shape under Olm Inc. The workload was relentless, yet Billy persisted, driven by his creative ambitions.
Monica closed her eyes and drifted back to sleep.
Three hours later, Winona arrived, her presence marked by the subtle scent of her perfume. Though Los Angeles was her current base, she much preferred Atlanta. The midday heat was oppressive, hinting that the summer of 1996 might be one for the books—or perhaps just the beginning of a long, scorching season.
-A glass of poison or a cup of work? I've been reviewing scripts. What's on your mind? - Winona asked after their greetings had passed, and Monica, from a distance, casually mentioned she'd soon take a shower, savoring the luxury of rest.
-Your James Bond movie? - Billy asked.
-That's slated for 1999. Those productions are exhaustingly long, one after the other. I wouldn't typically accept it, but you're right—it's about finding the balance between art and those larger commercial roles. Right now, I feel ready to take on films of that scale. Protagonist roles can be lacking in design, and productions don't always feel organic, but they're still remarkable in their way, - Winona replied.
-Would you like something to drink? - Billy asked, swiftly moving to pour her a glass of water when she declined the orange juice he had in his other hand. They took the opportunity to share ideas and discuss upcoming projects while preparing lunch.
-Pickles aren't bad, but I prefer them brined, - Winona said as she sliced them for a cold salad. - If I had the time, I'd love to create my movie, focusing on producing more than acting. But both are equally captivating. Each draws me in differently, whether it's watching something take shape or being part of the process. -
It was a surprising shift for her, considering she had never been one to take on a Bond movie or similar projects. The closed, competitive circles of Hollywood made every opportunity a fight, each space a prize.
-What a surprise, - Monica said, entering the room in a pair of snug shorts that emphasized her figure and a tight white shirt without a bra, her entire presence exuding effortless allure.
-It's so good to see you! - she exclaimed, leaping forward to embrace Winona. Billy continued organizing his comic drafts, intent on finishing the final Yu-Gi-Oh! Chapters in the weeks to come.
-It has been a while, hasn't it? You'll see some things you'll like later. I made a stop in Rome for some shopping, Monica said, shooting a look at Billy, who was filled with unspoken promises.
-I brought pie, - Winona added.
-You're so gorgeous, - Monica said, kissing her on the lips before settling on Billy's lap. Whispering into his ear, she teased him with a request for steak and Texan-style potatoes. "Cook for me. I want that mashed potato dish, and I'll leave the salad to them."
...