Chapter 2 EPISODE 2

I OPENED THE BALCONY DOORS and allowed the fresh air to fill my space. The breeze, which caressed my skin despite the fact that it was December, was light. This would have to do since we couldn't leave the house without security by our sides any more.

In an effort to make the place inviting, I hurried around the room lighting candles. When the doorbell rang, I extinguished the match, dashed to the bed, grabbed a book, and smoothed out my dress. Yes, Mark, when I read, I always appear like this.

I muttered, "Come in," just loud enough to be heard.

I gingerly lifted my head as Mark entered the room to catch the surprise in his eyes as he looked around my dimly lighted space. He finally fixed his attention on me and ran his eyes up my bare leg.

I closed the book and stood up to say, "There you are."

His eyes were fixed on my curves as he entered after shutting the door. "I just wanted to say that you look great tonight,"

My hair was tossed over my shoulder. Oh, what is this? It was merely idling in the closet's back.

"I'm happy you got it out,"

My fingers were intertwined with his. "Sit down next to me. You and I haven't spoken in a while.

He followed while sighing. "I apologize for that. Since we lost so many people in the rebel raid, things have been a little tense, and you know how my father is. He's worse than normal since we sent several guards to safeguard your family and because our personnel are overworked. He's trying to get me to stop the Selection, but I'm resisting. To give myself some time to consider this.

I positioned myself next to him as we sat on the side of the bed. "Sure, that. This should be under your supervision.

He gave a nod. "Exactly. I've probably stated it a thousand times before, but I become crazy when people push me.

I grumbled at him a little. "I know."

I was unable to interpret his expression as he hesitated. I was attempting to move this along without coming across as aggressive, but I wasn't sure how to create a romantic moment.

"I know this is stupid, but today my maids gave me this new perfume. Is it too powerful? I questioned while cocking my neck so he could breathe close by.

His nose brushed against a tender area of skin as he drew near. He murmured, "No, dear, it's lovely," into the bend that led to my shoulder. He then gave me a kiss there. I chewed, attempting to concentrate. I needed to be in charge of something.

I'm happy you like it. You were greatly missed.

I lowered my face as soon as I felt his hand encircle my back. He appeared with his eyes locked upon me and our lips only millimeters apart.

He exhaled, "How much have you missed me?"

My heartbeat was being strangely affected by his low speech and his intense gaze. I mumbled back, "So much," It's "so, so much."

I leaned in and yearned for a kiss. With one hand dragging me in and the other running through my hair, Mark was resolute. The garment stopped me from melting into the kiss as much as my body wanted to. Then, feeling anxious once more, I thought about my strategy.

I hoped that by guiding Mark's fingers to the zipper on the back of my dress while I slid my hands down his arms, it would be sufficient.

I was about to ask him to unzip it after he kept his hands there for a short while when he started giggling.

The sound rapidly made me awake.

"What's so funny?" you ask. Terrified, I questioned while attempting to come up with a discrete technique to check my breath.

"This is by far the most entertaining thing you've done, out of everything else." Mark laughed as he stooped over and tapped his knee.

"Pardon me?"

He gave me a vigorous forehead kiss. "I've always been curious about what it's like to watch you try." He chuckled once more. I'm sorry, but I must leave. Even his posture revealed a sense of humor. I'll see you in the morning, I promise.

Then he walked away. He simply left!

I just sat there feeling so embarrassed. Why on earth did I believe I could accomplish that? Even if Mark didn't know everything about me, he at least understood who I was as a person. And this? I didn't do it.

I cast a downward glance at the absurd garment. It was way excessive. Even Camile would have stopped short of this. My makeup was too heavy, and my hair was too flawless. From the moment he entered the room through the entryway, he was aware of what I was attempting. I sighed and went around the room blowing out candles while I pondered how I was going to deal with him the following day.