Our eternal affairs

"I... I should go..." Sasha said, seconds after Cliff stole a kiss from her. "It's getting late." She tried to let herself out.

Cliff's heart squeezed, and he held her arm, afraid she'd slip away and never come back. "Uh, can we at least talk? Please?"

She sighed, as he gestured towards the sofas in the small living room. He started after a minute, taking her hands into his.

"Sash, since the first day we met, you've been the best friend I've ever had.... You're my family.

You're strong, confident, funny and smart, and the best soccer player I've ever seen. Over the years, the more time we've spent together made me realize, that I want to be more than just a best friend, and that conversation we had that night, emboldened me.

I understand if you don't feel the same way, and that's okay, but the chance–"

"Shut up and just kiss me already!" Sasha said with her eyes closed, grinning.

Shock registered in his eyes, "whoa, well is that a yes?" She nodded, grinning widely this time, and circling her hands about him. "Well, then why did you let me keep rambling like that?" He whined, pulling her close to him.

"Wait!" She said, stopping the music in his head abruptly. "Let's keep it quiet... for now, please?" She pouted, and he shrugged.

"Anything for you... baby." She threw her head back, guffawing. "Baby? Where did that come from?" She squealed as he lifted her in his arms. "There's more from where that came from." He said smiling at her, before he claimed her lips. Mine, finally!

Truce was absorbed in a teleconference when Anna stopped by his room. She gestured a quick 'sorry to interrupt,' as she mouthed an apology to him, before she walked out, leaving him to his call.

She spotted Charlotte in the living room, dressed, and about to head out. "What's fun to do around here?" Anna asked coyly, raising an amused eyebrow.

"I have the weekend off my dear, and I'm indulging in a spa treatment. Care to join?"

"Of course!" Anna beamed.

Hours later, Anna stepped into her room, feeling radiant and fresh than ever. Soft evening lights enveloped her, and sweet scents of exotic flowers wafted through the air.

As she gazed round the room, she noticed her clothes had been arranged into the wardrobes, and the room, in order. She smiled, appreciating the thoughtful help. 

She took her time, selecting the perfect dress, her hands trailing over the fabrics as she deliberated. Finally, she settled on a stunning, shimmering sandy- coloured dress that reminded her of a tranquil beach and gentle waves. There were no tags them. Hmm, clever.

She dressed and styled her hair, before taking pictures of herself. She sighed, trying to regain her composure. She shouldn't be carried away with all these. 

She didn't like the idea of living with Mister Truce, seeing how domineering he could be. She felt absolutely fine, and wondered if he had healed her completely. Anna wasn't sure of the kind of life he was giving her. Maybe Cliff was right, it was a bad idea.

A maid knocked on her door, asking her to come out for dinner. Anna's room was on the ground floor and not far from the kitchen. She nodded, as she sighed heavily, before stepping out.

Mister Truce was in a well-fitted, midnight blue suit when she appeared in the dining room. The only lights in the room, poured from the chandelier above and highlighted them, as they froze on the spot, staring at each other.

His hair was loosened and dishevelled, framing his face with a charming rugged edge. The faint stubble on his jawline, made him irresistibly handsome. As she smiled sweetly at him, his heart fluttered. 

Her hair was styled in an elegant bun, with few curly tendrils about her face. Her dress highlighted her supple skin, hugging her curves, and that captivating smile... crumbled his defenses, she left him breathless.

"Anna..." He said in a low voice, stretching his hands out like a plea. She took them, and he drew her close, his head nestled in the warm curve of her neck. The sweet scent of her hair engulfed him, and his hand slid around her waist, pulling her deeper to himself.

"My self restraint is thinning by the second." He whispered, his breath sending shivers down her spine. Her heart skipped, her pulse raced, as heat rose from her core. She flushed a deep pink, shutting her eyes as her hands wove up to his neck, with her fingers intertwining with his hair.

He pressed her to himself, as her body melted into his, enveloping him in a tender hug.

The maids halted by the kitchen door, and stepped back, leaving them suspended in their moment of pure and unadulterated attraction.

"Is that my heart beating or yours?" He teased, and she giggled in his ear. "God, you're beautiful." He said after a while, his breath, hot in her ears as he whispered. 

He smelt like citrus and new books, with a hint of lavender. Her thoughts flew back to the clothes, and she loosened herself from the hug. Truce already sensing her thoughts, said quickly.

"Anna, I'm sorry if I sounded crude yesterday, I just wanted you to be okay, and comfortable." And mine. "If you think I'm doing too much, just let me know, alright?" Peering deep into her eyes, she smiled, surprised at his words, like he knew what she was thinking.

After a while, they settled for dinner, He commented on Cliff's jokes yesterday, but thought 'Cliff' was a Grandpa name to have. Anna laughed, relaxing into her seat. A thought wisped in her mind, and she asked in a small voice.

"Mister Truce, tell me about yourself. How did you get your healing powers?"