The Married Bachelor

His hands crawled up to her neck as he thrusted deeper into her - slowly.

Rhythmetical moans escaped her lips as her breath hitched and her eyes slid shut in ephemeral ecstasy.

"Oh, Jayceon" the name cut through from her lips.

Her both hands were wrapped around his back, pulling him closer to herself and making his chest touch her pointed bóobs. The feeling was stupendous; it was something Mila had always craved.

She bit her lower lip as Jayceon ate into the hollows of her neck. And finally, reaching climax, he pulled out of her and fell flat on the bed.

*

*

The sun rays glinted on the window, it's reflection forcefully making it's way into the room and resting on the pretty face of the twenty-six year old lady, sleeping on the decrepit bed.

A discomforting moan left her soft pink lips as she flipped over to back the sun's reflection, but she could still feel the heat. And angrily, she sat up and pulled the window curtains down in one swift move.

"Damn it!" She cursed under her breath, brushing her palms through her face.

That was the disadvantage of not having an electric fan. They had to keep the windows open through the night.

She exhaled deeply and ran her wobbly eyes round the stuffy mediocre room. Her clothes were sprewn on the floor which reminded her of the previous night.

Oh, Jayceon.... She blushed as she thought of him.

Suddenly, she heard the creaky sound of the knob turning and something in her guts told her it was Ryan.

Quickly, she lifted the duvet up to her chest level and just then, the door went open with the six year old boy, running in.

"Mum..."

"My goodness; Ryan!" She gasped in fear.

"Why didn't you knock before coming in?"

"Oh! I'm sorry about that, mum. I just wanted to show you the new art I made" the young kid said ecstatically as he budged towards his mother with the book in his hand.

Mila was still holding the duvet to her nàked chest.

"Uh....Tell you what? Why don't you just wait in the shade for me? I'll be out in a minute". She tucked her hair behind her ear, using her left hand.

"Okay, mum. I'll be waiting!" He let out a smile that was a replica of his father's and scurried out of the room.

Mila released the breath she had been stalling and leaned her back against the wall. That was so close!

She smiled and left the bed, taking her clothes from the floor and putting them on. She dashed into the bathroom for a quick fresh-up and on her way to the door, took her eyes round the room again.

Urgh! It definitely needed to be tended to - the bed, the floor, the curtains, wardrobe, scanty makeup table.... She'd definitely do that soonest.

She left the room and walked pass her son's room, then the empty room before getting to the sitting room where she met him. He was backing her and seemed busy as he cleaned the faulty TV - which he was taking for sale that morning.

Mila wasn't putting on footwears and tiptoed towards his direction. Then, getting close enough, she tickled his ribs and hugged him before he'd turn to have a look.

"Got ya!" She laughed playfully, hugging him from behind.

She could barely wrap her hands completely around his broad chest.

"Hey... Look who's up already" Jayceon chuckled as he turned around and hugged her properly.

They unlocked and followed it up with a snogging kiss.

"Is it just my eyes, or you're looking prettier this morning?" Jayceon whispered into her ears as he pulled her by the waist.

He bit her earlobe and licked it up.

"Oh! Jayceon, stop it!" Mila laughed and wriggled out of his arms, unable to endure the tingling sensations he passed through.

Jayceon also laughed and caught her by the waist again, pulling her close. Since she was putting on a crop top - which was her favorite kind of dress - Jayceon's hands were easily touching her bare skin.

"So, how's my wife doing today?" He asked, staring into her small, round face.

"I'm great! And how's my husband doing today?" She reciprocated, staring into those gray, monolid eyes of his.

"Oh! Well, I was feeling a little bit sad a minute ago; but suddenly,an angel appeared to me and made it all better".

"Hmm. Care to show me where this angel went? Cause I'd very much love see her". Mila teased.

"Well...." Jayceon clicked his tongue.

"I think she's standing right in front of me".

And the duo bursted into a minor laughter.

"Your hair is a mess, you know?" Jayceon chaffed.

"Yeah, I know. You made sure of that last night" Mila rolled her eyes.

Jayceon moved his hands from her waist, upto her cheeks and kissed her slowly.

Her lips has always tasted better - soft, juicy and and tempting. He enjoyed waggling his tongue with hers and sucking all the essence of her lips; it gave him shivers no one else could.

"Mum?" They heard the familiar voice call ironically and quickly unlocked to see their little boy leaning on the door and staring at them.

"Hey, R...Ryan....For how long have you been standing there?" Mila stuttered nervously, moving her hair backwards as she took some steps away from Jayceon.

"Long enough to hear dad calling you an angel" Ryan answered sarcastically and Mila threw a *we're dead* glance at Jayceon before going forward to meet the kid.

"I thought we've talked about spying, honey?" She cooed as she walked closer to him.

"Well, I wasn't spying. I was just...."

"Whatever. Come on; let's go" she held his hand and led him out of the sitting room, going out to the shade where she perceived he must had been.

The shade was Ryan's favorite spot as it had a table and comfortable chair where he could use to study. He said it made him feel like he was in a classroom.

"So, where's the art you said you wanted to show me?" Mila asked as she scoured her eyes through the various scattered books on the table.

Ryan picked up one of the books and showed a page to her.

"Here" he showed the picture to her.

Mila's jaws dropped open in shock as she stared at the incredible picture in her hand. What??

"Who drew this, Ryan?" She asked, her voice echoing with disbelief.

"Who else, mum? Me,of course!" Ryan jumped in excitement.

"My goodness!"

It was a picture of a man, woman and boy, sitting by a beach. Although, it was un-painted and the faces not clear, Jessa could tell it had to do with her, Jayceon and Ryan.

"This is too beautiful, son" she looked at him with so much passion.

Her heart cracked up, recalling he'd dropped out of school. Unfortunately, he was asked to leave school since they had been unable to pay his fees for three sessions. The principal had showed enough mercy already and had to kick him out. But, hopefully, he'd be back by next session.

"Come here. You know mummy loves you a lot, right?" She crouched to his height and played with his hair.

"I know. And I love you too, mummy". His sweet voice replied.

Mila blushed in a smile and pecked his cheek, then gave him a tight hug afterwards.

"Mm-mm. Not that I intend breaking this lovely mother-and-son bond, but I really do need a word with you, Miss Thompson". A croaky voice polluted the atmosphere and made Mila pull away from her son.

Seriously? What a perfect time to ruin the moment.

She stood upright and turned to face the old man with his never-changing hat on his head.

"Mr Pablo!" She feigned a smile, going closer to him.

He was standing in the open, dressed in his leather trouser and coat. Approaching seventy, but still looked fifty-five.

"Isn't it a pleasure to have you here at our home today?"

"Hold the pleasantries, Mila. I'm not here for that. Where's your husband?" He asked grumpily and Jayceon stepped out of the house immediately, holding a dusty napkin.

"Mr Pablo. Good.....".

"Mr Jayceon; you told me you'd be coming to see me three days ago and I was kinda wondering if you got stuck in traffic". The old man cut him off.

He really looked impatient.

"Uh...." Jayceon hung the napkin over his shoulder.

"I.... actually had a change of plans and decided to come in...."

"I've had enough of your excuses, Mr Jayceon" he cut him off again.

"If you don't come over to pay up your rent in three days time, I promise you, I'll be back here with boys to throw you out before locking my doors and getting my damn keys!" His voice could only sound croaky when he tried yelling.

What?

"Hey-hey. Come on, Mr Pablo; it hasn't gotten to...."

"Well, it has gotten to that, Jayceon" he cut in.

"I've had it up to the neck".

"Hold on, Mr Pablo; I really think you should calm down" Mila chipped in.

"I mean, you don't need to come here, yelling over a house that's almost sinking into the ground. You should be grateful someone is here to maintain it for you as I'm pretty sure this is one of the oldest houses here in Florida"

The old man looked at her in shock.

"You little rat! How dare you say that to me?" He gritted.

"Little?" Mila scoffed, pointing to her chest.

"Well, at least I'm not as old as your hat".

"Mila!" Jayceon whispered huskily and gave her a pinch.

She was getting them into more trouble.

"I won't be here to warn you again, you shameless couple!" The old man rasped.

"What am I saying? You're not even married" he huffed.

"Anyway, three days is all you have. Three days,or you're out of here".

And with that, he turned around and left.

For a long time as the old man left, Mila and Jayceon just stood, staring at the empty direction he had taken.

Probably, they had both been silent because they were communicating only in their minds. Had so many words, but couldn't spit them out.

"That man is so unthinkable" Mila finally said something, brushing her fingers across her forehead.

She's expected Jayceon to respond; instead, he simply turned around and started walking into the shade.

Oh-oh.

"Hey; Jayceon!" She called, but he wouldn't stop. And she ran after him.

Ryan was in the shade, pretentiously staring at his book. He didn't want his parents to know he had seen that embarrassing moment. He knew when his father walked pass the shade and went into the house, and his mother followed almost immediately.

"Jayceon, come on! You need to calm down..."

"How can I possibly calm down, Mila?" He stopped walking as he whirled around to face her, taking the napkin down from his shoulder.

"Just tell me, Mila; how can I possibly keep calm?"

Mila's lips had gone shut as she just stared at him. She could see the hurt in his eyes; sweats had already formed up behind his eyelids.

"The kitchen is empty, our son was kicked out of school, we've almost sold every thing we own, paying off debts! I can't even give you a treat, and now, we're being threatened of the only place we call a home. So, just tell me, Mila; how can I keep calm??"

He couldn't look her in the eyes due to the guilt and chagrin in his. He yelled, pains echoing in it 'cause he was slowly losing a grip of the man he was.

Mila's heart twitched in her chest as she lowered her gaze to the floor. Her subconsciousness told her to encourage him, but at that moment, the words were dwindling from her head.

"I know you don't wanna say it, but you deserve better, Mila" he continued, the pains making his voice crack a little.

"You shouldn't be here; you shouldn't be with me. I can't give you anything. You're so.... young and beautiful, charming. You don't deserve this life with me".

"Come on, Jayceon. Will you just stop it already?" She bat her eye lids and looked at him, finally summoning up some courage.

"I'm here not because you forced me, but because I want to. I love you, Jayceon, and our son and I'm not ready to let go of this family. For six years, we've been together, and we've always survived. One way or the other, we've always survived, Jayceon".

The boldness intensified and she moved closer to him, placing her hand on his cheek.

"I don't love because of money; I love because it's what I want. Life isn't over yet, Jayceon. We still have a long way to go. I mean, I'm just twenty-six and you're twenty-nine....' She paused and scoffed.

"We're still pretty much young and have enough time to get all the wealth we need. So, just stop this self-crucifixion and let's make things work, okay?"

Jayceon's countenance had grown calm.

"Okay?" Mila cooed again and went closer for a kiss.

Tho, Jayceon didn't reciprocate, but he felt relaxed and welcomed the kiss. And by the time she pulled away, he was looking much better.

"So...' She sighed, inserting her both hands into her back pockets.

"You'll be taking the TV for sale, right?"

"Yeah... I'm about leaving" Jayceon muttered.

"Hopefully, I sell it a good price, I'll be able to pay Marcus off".

Oh, Marcus. He was one of their creditors and had threatened to come with the Corp later that evening if his money wasn't paid.

"Alright, I understand. By the way.... I might be going to see my mum today or tomorrow". Mila said.

"Your mum?"

"Y...Yeah. Wanted to see if she could be of help and lend us some money".

"You still call that a mum?" Jayceon scoffed.

"That woman has never liked you from birth, Mila....."

"I know; I know" she cut him off with an eye roll, not wanting to discuss that topic.

"But we're running out of options, Jayceon; and I just need to give it a try".

Jayceon sighed and walked over to the Tv. He picked his T-shirt from beside it and wearing it, looked more manly. Hm. Even in his penury, he was still so much handsome - Mila thought.

"I'll be leaving now with the Tv" he said to her as he picked it up.

"That looks quite heavy, Jayceon. Are you sure you can...."

"Yeah, don't worry; it's fine" he cut in and placed it on his shoulder.

Mila followed him out of the house, admiring his strength.

"Bye, daddy" Ryan waved at him when he got out to the shade.

"Bye, son. Will be back real soon" Jayceon beamed back.

Mila stood there at the shade and watched as Jayceon left, walking down the lane.

And she kept staring until he took a turn and couldn't be seen anymore.

*********************

Inside the wide capacious office; the Air conditioner blowing so cold with a quirky fragrance; the desk littered with so much files and two apple laptops, was sparklingly neat and glittering as it was made of annealed glass.

There was a black coloured cushion, some meters away from the desk, right beside the wall. A throw pillow was placed on it, making it look comforting for a nap. And just in front of the glass desk, were two whirling seats.

The door and the walls around it was made of glass and done in such a way that, only a person from within the office could see what was going on out there. She could even see when a person was coming to her office; but no one from the outside could see a thing from the office.

It was so convenient for the boss alone.

The glass door slid open with the lady walking in, her shoes not making any inconveniencing sound as they were flat shoes.

She held two files in her hands and struggled to keep a good mood as she walked towards the million-worth desk.

"Good evening, ma'am" she let out a warm smile.

"I'm done with the analysis and just brought this for review".

She didn't sit - of course, not - but stood in front of the desk with the files proffered in her hand.

She was used to her boss being a little snubbish, so didn't have any problem when it took her long to reply her.

"Let me have them, Stacey" she looked away from her laptop with her hand held out, and the lady quickly handed the files to her.

Dazed eyes; a beautiful but tired face, stared into the first file as she flipped through the pages. Having been at the office for over nine hours, her pony - styled hair was already having some ruffled strands, although, they didn't alter her unutterable beauty.

The staffer - Stacey - was a little nervous as she stood in front of her boss' desk, watching her go through the files. She really hoped there were no errors as she wouldn't want to get on her bad side. Yeah, Skylar Gray could be really nasty when she was tired. And she was prone to tiredness when she must've been exhausted from work at the office.

"Where are the analysis for twenty-fifth and twenty-sixth, Stacy?" That calm, tender voice was suddenly heard and Stacy felt her nerves wreck a bit.

Skylar had closed up the file and was staring at her.

"Um.... I thought the marketing director must've filled it in. I'm really sorry, ma'am...."

"Really?" Skylar scoffed.

"You should've confirmed that before bringing these files to me, Stacey".

Funny enough, she sounded more tired than angry; the tiredness reflected in her round white eyes.

"I'm... I'm really sorry, ma'am. I'll have it fixed right away" Stacey statedapologetically, adjusting the medicated glasses on her eyes.

"Fine. But I can't sign them now; I'm leaving already" Skylar packed up the files and handed over to her.

"Okay ma'am; I'll make sure they're on your desk first thing in the morning. I'm really sorry for the inconvenience" Stacy bowed and turned around to leave.

"How's your health, Stacey?" she suddenly heard her boss ask and turned to find her arranging some of the scattered files on the desk.

"I'm.... I'm getting a whole lot better, ma'am. Thank you" Stacy replied gratefully and left when her boss said nothing else.

Alone in the office, the twenty-six year old Skylar Gray packed up her files and closed her laptop. She was done from the office, but might still need to work at home.

Stretching her hand filled with jewelries that winked, she reached for the office PBX and connected to her P.A

"Hello, ma'am...."

"Come over to my office now; I'm about leaving" She said and ended the call.

She stood up afterwards and went over to her transparent tempered glass window to stand. That part of her office had always been her favorite as she could see the city right from it - the crossroads, the moving cars, people... It was worth more than some fresh air to her and helped her clear her head when she was having a mundane day at work.

She exhaled deeply and crossed her arms below her chest, her eyes just fixed into space. So many thoughts in her head, but hell; she didn't know which to think of.

Maybe, her grandmother's burial? Or....

The beeping sound of her phone ringing distracted her as she turned to glance at it on the desk. Maybe, it was a good thing it distracted her.

She went over and picked the phone when she realized it was Luis calling. She's been dodging his calls for hours and perhaps, it was time to be a little considerate.

Picking the call and placing it on her ear, she walked back to the large window and awaited him to speak up.

"My goodness! You finally decided to take my calls, Skylar" he exclaimed, ecstasy echoing in his masculine voice anyway.

"I was almost getting worried. How're you doing, Skylar?"

"Yeah, I'm good. Just busy" she answered in the best way she could, tucking some of the ruffled strands of her hair behind her ear.

"Oh; I understand. It's really not easy, handling one of your father's companies - the only one he has in this city for that matter" he paused and chuckled, his plaudits not fawning her in anyway.

Oh! Well, she was already used to such flatters.

"So, I um.... I decided to surprise you by coming to pick you up" he continued.

"Hope it's much of a surprise, anyways"

"Pick me up?" Skylar asked with a crumpled look, ignoring his chuckles.

The door of her office slid open immediately with her dark skinned P.A coming in.

Noticing she was on a call, the P.A non-verballaly asked her boss if she were to go ahead and Skylar urged her to.

"Yes; My car's just outside your office, ma'am" Luis said, earning Skylar's attention.

For real?

"I don't get. Why would you come to my office without letting me know?" She asked with a scoff, glancing at her P.A as she packed the files, laptop and designer bag from the table before walking out.

"Well... Like I said, I wanted to surprise you" Luis replied on the phone.

Skylar rolled her eyes and itched her scanty brows.

"Just... hold up; I'll be there in a sec" she dropped the call and left the office, trailing after her P.A.

The rest of her staff were still at their desks, positions and offices, working. And they greeted the twenty-six year old boss that walked pass them.

"Bye, ma'am Skylar".

"Goodbye, ma'am" they kept chorusing and Skylar kept waving and smiling at them.

She got outside to the parking lot and spotted his car from a distance.

"Marcel!" She Called out to her P.A who was on her way to her car.

"Yes, ma'am..."

"Come this way" Skylar said and started walking towards the car, expecting the P.A to follow.

It was a latest model, red and flashy and looked quite worthing.

Luis had been at the driver's seat. And when he noticed Skylar was getting close, he stepped out of the car, all beaming with smiles.

"Hey" dressed in a sophisticated manner in his designer suit, Luis looked really handsome and manly. But Skylar wasn't there for the looks.

"Mr Luis. You didn't think it was necessary to inform me before coming to my office?" Skylar asked as she stood in front of him.

Her P.A was just behind, hands-filled.

"Of course, Skylar; I know. Like I said before, I just wanted to surprise you" Luis said as he adjusted one of the buttons on his suit.

"But I trust you won't turn me down.... please?" He opened the front door and smiled at her.

Skylar rolled her eyes and walked in, just wanting to give him the privilege this time around. And as she did, Luis couldn't help but beam happily.

He closed the door and collected her belongings from her P.A, keeping them at the backseat.

"Goodbye, ma'am Skylar" the P.A waved at her and Skylar didn't hesitate to do same, with a returning smile.

As soon as Luis was seated in the car, he ignited it and took off.

*

*

The drive was a boring one for Skylar. Although, Luis had tried grunting up several conversations and make the drive lively, it just didn't work out for someone like Skylar who was tired from work and wanted his voice to be the last thing she'd hear.

She didn't respond to conversations but Luis didn't mind and kept talking non stop.

Finally, they drove into her two storey Mansion and Skylar couldn't help but release the comforting breath she had been holding.

"Hope you enjoyed the ride?" Luis asleep with a smile as he turned off the key in the ignition.

Enjoyed?? It was the worst ride ever!

"Sure, I did" she lied anyways, forcing a smile.

Luis quickly rushed out of the car to get the door for her. And while she stepped out, he hurried to the backseat to get her things.

"Mummy!" She heard that tiny voice call, one that brightened her dark mood.

She turned happily, her ponytail swaying with her as she turned to see the five year old girl, trotting towards he, funnily having so many colors all over her face.

Skylar beamed and opened her arms wide for her baby to run in.

"Yeahhh. Looks like someone missed me so much" she crooned as she carried her in her arms and kissed her neck while the baby giggled.

"My goodness, Tasha; what happened to your face? Who did this to you?"

"I did it to myself, mummy. I'm trying to learn to be me my own makeup artist" The little one answered happily and Skylar smiled and placed her down on her feet.

Her nanny had come out of the house already.

"So, how was school today, huh?" She palmed her hair.

"School was okay. But I'm so happy tomorrow's weekend and I can be at home all day!" Tasha beamed, making her mother smile.

Oh! One thing Skylar has always loved was her daughter's cute childish voice.

Luis, holding Skylar's things, walked towards them with a beam.

"Hello, Tasha. How're you today?" He asked cheerfully, but the happy countenance on the kid's face dropped immediately as she stared at him.

Urgh! Just like Skylar had expected.

"I'm fine" she mumbled and walked away, going back into the house.

Oh, no...

"Hey...Tasha" Skylar called, but the kid wouldn't turn or look at her as she completely walked in

Skylar sighed tiredly and the nanny - Emilia - went further to get the things from Luis.

"Good evening, ma'am" she greeted warmly as she took the things from Luis.

"Good evening, Emilia. How're you?" Skylar asked, trying to return the warmness.

"I'm fine, ma'am. Welcome home" she smiled and walked in with the files.

"I didn't do anything wrong, did I?" Luis asked, wondering why her daughter acted the way she did.

"Of course, you didn't. You should leave now; it's late. Thanks for the ride". Skylar replied, but Luis looked a little hesitant.

"I'll give you a call, alright? Please, promise you won't snub". He said and Skylar was nearly forced to laugh out.

"I'll try not to" she belied her thoughts, anyway, making Luis relaxed .

"Alright, then. Goodnight" he waved once at her.

"Goodnight".

He returned to his car and Skylar watched him as he drove away. At last.

Her mind flashed back to Tasha. Oh, God! When would that kid start acting nice to her male acquaintances? She couldn't tell why, she was just never friendly with anyone of them.

Well, Skylar had bigger problems on her mind than that of her daughter.

She sighed and turned around to go into the house, but suddenly stopped when her eyes spotted the flowers.

With few steps, she got to the garden and noticed the flowers were looking untrimmed. Oh, damn! They needed to be attended to immediately.

"Emilia!" She stretched her neck towards the direction of the house and called.

"Emilia!"

"Yes, ma'am!" The thirty-three year old lady came running out of the house.

Yes, she was older than Skylar.

"Did you say the gardener quit his job a week ago?' she asked.

"Oh; yes, ma'am. He said something urgent had come up and warranted him to stop" the lady enthused.

"I see" Skylar muttered.

"Well, the garden needs to be attended to; I don't like how it looks at all. Can you get a gardener first thing in the morning? He doesn't have to be employed; just tell him we need him for tomorrow alone".

"Uhm... Okay, ma'am. I'll call my brother tonight and tell him about it right away. He should know someone". Emilia replied.

"Okay, Emilia. Please, first thing in the morning. You know how I feel with my garden".

"Of course, of course. Don't worry, we'll definitely have someone tomorrow morning" Emilia assured and Skylar nodded and walked away.