Chapter 4 | Course of Action
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I dazed. I was astonished by every detail he said. I was flattered, worried, and saddened by the transitions of his words.
When I finally realized I zoned out, Rhys was quietly crying. I was surprised. My heart was beating frantically with worry.
I immediately lunged at him. I held his face to see his expression. He was devastated.
So he also kept it all in. He was also holding himself all this time. He was checking himself to not cross the line.
But now, he cried and it meant he couldn't do all that anymore.
"I love you so much, Sola. It hurts so much to not physically be with you. And now it is so painful seeing you like this. I'm so sorry."
I smiled fondly. "Don't blame yourself. I don't blame you at all. I admit I did look and wish for you. It's alright."
"Sola." He anguished. He embraced me like he wanted to mould my body with his, to mend his injured self. To make himself complete again.
I shifted to make myself comfortable and returned the gesture. "Rhys, you didn't clearly answer one of my questions. What are we?"
He stiffened and relaxed. "What do you want us to be? We can be anything to each other but I love to be your husband so no one else can claim you as his."
He moved to search for my eyes again. "Sola, we can be legally married now since we are sixteen. You understand how serious I am but I respect what you want. We can be couples for now if you want to be with me.
Now that I think of it. Why not let us experience every step of the relationship before being a husband and wife? Since we already are to each other's every relationship identity there is since the moment we are born, it would be amazing to complete the whole list.
Nonetheless, I want us to at least be engaged officially."
We stayed staring at each other. "Sola, I love you. Can you be my girlfriend and let me do the honour to be your boyfriend?"
I was aware all this time. But him properly confessing and asking me out so sincerely right now didn't diminish the happiness I should feel. I felt so gratified.
"Thank you for duly confessing. I'm satisfied. Rhys, I love you too.
But I can't be overwhelmed and just agree with you. My emotions are a mess. Yours too.
You don't have any news about me for a year. I changed so much this year. I also have a lot of responsibility.
I can't make you my priority. My family and the business is my first concern. Can you remain by my side despite all of these?"
He suddenly burst then chuckled. His body even shaking because he was resisting laughing out loud. "Sola, you're so cute and funny."
He laid on my bed. I was confused. "Pft. Don't pout, Sola." I didn't get him. What was the matter?
"We're discussing seriously and you are amused. I don't even know why. Stop already."
He took a deep breath and sat up. He pulled me towards him and I was on his lap again, my back on his arm supporting me. He looked at me with intense emotions.
"Sola, we are not simply being a couple. We are already partners in life. We will support each other. No matter what we define our relationship as, for us, it doesn't matter. Or am I the only one thinking this way?"
I pondered. He was right. Our bond didn't change. Maybe we changed but our feelings for each other only grew with our separation.
We also confirmed that we are precious to each other like no one else did. "You're right. Does labelling our relationship important?"
"For us no, definitely not. But we need a label to present to our family and the public. Personally, it will assure me so no one else will dare covet you.
Sola, I'm possessive. I'm territorial. My best behaviour is for you only.
It means if others touch my boundaries, they should expect the worst. I want to be my best and don't give you any worries. If anyone will try to ask what is your relationship status and to whom, I'm content if you will proudly proclaim that you already have a gorgeous fiance and tell them my name."
He was earnest but there was also mirth on his lips. "Okay. I am your girlfriend and you are my boyfriend. Rhys, I'm also possessive and territorial. Don't let any girl near you."
"You don't need to worry about that. My condition doesn't get better. I'm still crept out with other people. It's perfect."
"Good. We are getting engage. How do you plan this?"
He let my temple leaned on his shoulder. He positioned me closer to him. "I'm excited about this, but no rush. We will first make it simple for our family.
For the public announcement, I understand now is not the right time. I roughly understand your position in the group. Moreover, we need to transfer Aunt-ma, my brother, and sister back to our home."
I arched an eyebrow. "My brother and sister? Our home?"
He smiled cheekily. "Sola, I'm an only child. Moreover, your siblings are my siblings too. Not to mention, will be my in-laws legally. Lastly, wherever you are, is my home. This is your home so it's our home."
I nodded and put my hands on his shoulders. From sitting sideways, I moved my lower body to sit on his lap while straddling his thighs. I faced him.
"Sola?" From his shoulders, I cupped his face. This man is handsome. My boyfriend, mine.
I pecked his lips. The surprise in his eyes was indescribable. "Sola?"
How could I described how it felt? It was too short. I should kiss him longer to distinguished accurately, right?
I touched his lips with mine. This time I didn't get away soon. I closed my eyes and lingered the longer I could.
I could felt his soft lips. My heart was beating fiercely but I was not nervous. I was not worried either. It was exhilarating.
I left his lips and gazed at it. I touched my lips too. Our lips were slightly wet.
"Sola?" I sought his eyes. His expression was indignant.
"We kissed when we are children but it's different now. We are a real couple. Our bodies matured too.
Did you take away our first kiss as an official couple just like that? You also did a sneak attack. You're so mean, Sola."
I didn't really comprehend his complaint but I guess I need to soothe him. "You can kiss me too. Here."
I brought my whole body forward making a contact with his torso. I circled my arms around his neck. His ears became red.
"What should I do with you?" He surrounded me with his arms at my sides and put his hands on my butt. He lifted me and let my body slid on him. I towered him now that I was kneeling on both his sides.
"You're body is so soft, Sola. Your breasts are pressing on me too. Is that alright?"
Before I could reply, one of his hands pushed my nape downward to met his lips. He kissed me differently. He sucked my upper lip. He bit my lower lip playfully too.
I tried to escape but he held me firmly without hurting me. He licked my lips. I also noticed how he massaged my nape and the back of my head.
I made a sound. I froze. What kind of sound was that? I felt embarrassed. It was sensual.
"Sola, did you moan? Did you feel good?" He was smirking. He was not teasing but I could discern that he was boastful.
"Is that a moan? Probably. I feel good though. What you are doing feels nice. I like it."
His expression turned sombre. His gaze was darker, deeper. I felt a shiver on my spine. "Open your mouth, Sola."