Chapter 92: Peace before the storm
A few days later.
The gentle morning light streamed into the room, causing Ansel’s eyes to flutter open. Ansel swept his gaze through the empty space, longing to see Erica next to him. However, Erica’s absence was evident in the room. Eagerly anticipating a glimpse of Erica, he noticed a neatly folded pair of athletic shorts on the table-a subtle reminder of Erica’s thoughtfulness.
Leaving the room, Ansel’s footsteps led him to the heart of the house-the kitchen. And there was Erica, a graceful and warm image, immersed in the gentle rhythm of culinary art. In that moment, a surge of love surged within him, urging him to narrow the distance between them.
Approaching Erica slowly, Ansel couldn’t help but be amazed by her graceful beauty. Unable to contain his overflowing desire, Ansel gently embraced Erica from behind.
Ansel’s sudden embrace startled Erica, causing her to gasp and be momentarily stunned.
“Ansel! Don’t startle me like that!” she exclaimed.
Playfully scolding him for catching her off guard, her voice carried a hint of surprise. However, beneath the gentle reproach, a smile formed on her lips, revealing the joy she felt at his affectionate gesture.
“Erica, how could you leave me sleeping all alone like that? I thought you couldn’t bear to be away from me even for a moment.” Ansel’s voice carried a playful tone as he teased Erica.
Erica rolled her eyes, looking back at Ansel. A smile formed on her lips as she teasingly said, “Oh, come on. Don’t inflate your ego too much, Ansel. I just wanted to surprise you with a special breakfast. It’s not like I get to indulge my handsome prince every day. So, you should be grateful instead of complaining about trivial things.”
Ansel’s eyes sparkled with delight as he pulled Erica closer, his arms wrapping tightly around her waist without causing any discomfort or pain.
“Well, in that case, I’m really eager to see what delicious surprise awaits me. But you know, waking up next to you is the best way to start my day,” Ansel said with a smile.
Erica’s cheeks flushed with a mixture of shyness and affection. She leaned into Ansel’s embrace, savoring the warmth and safety of his arms around her. “You always know what to say to win a woman’s heart, don’t you?” she said playfully.
Ansel placed a gentle kiss on Erica’s forehead, his voice sincere. “It’s only because it’s the truth, Erica. Being with you feels like a dream come true.”
Erica’s voice softened, tinged with a hint of uncertainty. “Sometimes, I still can’t believe how lucky I am to have you in my life, Ansel. You have brought so much joy and love into my world.”
Ansel’s fingers gently brushed a strand of hair behind Erica’s ear, his voice full of reassurance. “And I feel the same way, Erica. You have brought light into the darkest corners of my heart. I love you more than words can express.”
Their words hung in the air, carrying the weight of their deep affection for each other. In that moment, they were immersed in the warmth of love, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they had each other to lean on.NôvelDrama.Org (C) content.
Suddenly, Ansel spoke up. It was a humorous question tinged with a hint of curiosity.
“So, what’s the special gift you’ve prepared for me, Erica? It must be something truly extraordinary to make up for leaving me alone in bed.”
Erica’s eyes sparkled mischievously as she revealed her surprise. “Well, Ansel, it’s a dish that I know holds a special place in your heart. Do you remember when you mentioned your love for slow-cooked stew? This morning, I decided to prepare it for you.”
Ansel’s face lit up with genuine joy, a wide smile spreading across his lips. “Erica, you truly know the way to my heart. I can’t fully express my gratitude for your effort in creating something I love. It means the world to me.”
“I’m not sure if the dish will be successful on the first try, but I hope you’ll like it,” Erica hesitantly said with a shy smile.
“Don’t worry, it will surely be a success. I believe so,” Ansel confidently replied. “I will definitely savor the taste of the dish you cooked with gratitude and joy.”
Erica burst into laughter at Ansel’s carefree and thoughtless remark. Ansel also laughed along, unable to resist Erica’s beautiful smile.
“Thank you; I love you, Erica,” he whispered, making Erica feel incredibly happy.
After finishing his sentence, Ansel immediately noticed the alluring aroma of the simmering spices filling the air. He couldn’t help but feel a rising anticipation and a rumbling in his stomach. He admired with awe as Erica skillfully stirred the pot, her movements resembling those of a culinary expert.
Erica suddenly turned to face Ansel, her eyes sparkling with pride. “It’s almost ready, Ansel. Just a little more time, and you’ll be able to savor each tender bite of this stew made with love.”
Ansel still embraced Erica from behind, his voice filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Erica. What you’ve done here is not just a meal. It’s a testament to our deep connection and the care you have for me. I feel incredibly fortunate to have you in my life.”
Erica’s face lit up with a radiant and genuine smile. “And I feel equally lucky to have you, Ansel. Sharing these moments with you, creating memories together-that’s what makes everything worthwhile.”
As the stew continued to simmer on the stove, Ansel leaned down, capturing Erica’s lips in a tender kiss. In that moment, the expectation of the meal dissipated as their love and appreciation for each other took center stage.
After the brief kiss, Erica subtly leaned back as Ansel’s face pressed against her neck, feeling his breath on her skin. She blushed, feeling a mixture of embarrassment, intrigue, and desire, and she requested that Ansel maintain some distance.
“Ansel, the stew is almost ready. While we wait for it to finish cooking, you should go take a shower. Your clothes have been washed clean and pressed,” Erica gently reminded him.
However, Ansel disregarded her request and instead took a deep breath, savoring the intoxicating scent on Erica’s body, unable to resist planting a few gentle kisses on her graceful neck.
“Ansel, did you hear what I said?”
“Mhm.”
“Don’t bother me anymore and go take a quick shower. If you keep disturbing me, I’m afraid this stew won’t reach the desired level of tenderness.” Erica scolded Ansel, not forgetting her warning.
Despite being scolded, Ansel still whispered sweet words into Erica’s ear, expressing his desire for a close connection with her.
“Erica, you smell so good. I want to spoil you even more now.”
“Ansel, you pervert.”
Erica blushed, scolded Ansel, and pinched his arm with her hand, causing him to groan and revel in pleasure. Then, disregarding the simmering stew on the stove, Ansel turned Erica around so that her face was facing his. Ansel embraced Erica tenderly.
“Is it alright, Erica?” Ansel gently pleated, “Let’s continue our passionate activities like last night.”
“Ansel, no, we can’t; didn’t we already do it multiple times last night?” Erica objected, her voice a mix of hesitation and unease.
Ansel, his eyes filled with desire, hoarsely whispered, “You know I can’t resist you, Erica. Your touch drives me crazy.”
Erica’s defense weakened as she felt the intense gaze from Ansel and the sincerity in his words. “We can’t… not now,” she stammered, her voice betraying her own desire.
Ansel’s hand gently traced the lines on Erica’s face as he responded, his voice filled with desire: “I know, but I can’t help but want you, Erica. Every moment by your side is a temptation that I must resist.”
Their bodies pressed against each other, throbbing with desire, as they shared stolen moments of passion. Their lips locked tightly in a fiery embrace, their hearts beating in unison, the intensity of their connection overpowering any rationality or restraint.
“Ansel,” Erica gasped between kisses, her voice blending surrender and desire, “we need to exercise self-control; we can’t let our desires consume us completely.”
Ansel replied with determination, his warm breath caressing her skin, “I promise, Erica. I will protect you, and our love will guide us through every challenge.”
“One more time, Erica?” Ansel pleaded.
Erica finally gave in and nodded in agreement to Ansel’s persistent plea. As soon as Erica consented, Ansel wasted no time in carrying out his desires. Without saying a word, Ansel lifted Erica into his arms and guided her back to the bedroom.
“Ansel, wait a moment; we need to turn off the stove,” Erica reminded him, remembering the simmering stew on the stove.
“I will be right back.” Ansel said, gently placing Erica on the bed. He then went out to turn off the stove and quickly returned to the room with Erica.
And once again, they showed each other how deeply they love each other.