(068 - The Forever Seal)

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Imago Dei 🙏🏾✨

Enjoy 🖤.

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𝐒𝐈𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐀
(Simisola André Jordan)

I walked into the bustling hospital cafeteria, my lazy steps echoing softly on the linoleum floor, my eyes on the coffee section of the cafeteria. The scent of freshly brewed coffee enveloped me as I got closer and approached the counter, the rhythmic sound of the espresso machine filling the air.

"You again," The barista, a cheerful young woman that looked to be in her mid-twenties, and was probably already too used to my face flashed me a warm smile.

"Yes, me again," I answered, mustering a smile of my own. After my mum's bedside, this was definitely my second favorite spot in the entire hospital.

"Good morning," I greeted her, my voice tinged with a trace of grogginess from disrupted sleep.

"It's past noon," she gently corrected, her gaze momentarily flickering to the wall clock stationed by the entrance. My own eyes followed her gaze, confirming that it was indeed past noon.

Way past noon.

1:03 pm, it read.

I exhaled, rubbing my eyes as I looked back at the woman. My mind still felt a little hazy from sleep, and yeah, if you haven't figured it out by now, I'm just waking up.

"Right," I murmured, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Good afternoon," I corrected myself, still managing to smile at the nice woman. She nodded back, that cheerful smile still playing on her slips, I feared her cheeks might be hurting from smiling so much.

"Your usual?" she inquired. Settling onto a high stool at the counter, I nodded, my posture laced with a hint of lethargy as I placed my order.

"Extra milk, please," I added, my words a tad languid.

With a nod, she started crafting the perfect balance of espresso with steamed coffee. A yawn overcame me involuntarily, evidence of my need for caffeine.

"Long night."

It was more of a statement than a question, the empathy evident in her voice. I nodded in agreement, my drowsy state evident to both of us.

"Something like that," I responded. She didn't ask any more questions, only nodding in understanding while my mind went back to the events of the previous night's stroke in the wee hours of the morning.

Mum had a lot of trouble sleeping over the night. She kept complaining about a particular dull pain in her chest that wouldn't let her sleep. When we tried to alert the doctors, she wouldn't let us so we tried everything possible to make sure she was okay... or comfortable enough to sleep at least.

I lost cut of the amount of water she downed from a cup. The pain would subside for a minute, then suddenly start again. We eventually had to call on the doctor, fear of further complicating an already complicated situation pushing us to do so.

Especially Dad.

He was one to always heed whatever Mum wanted. If she asked him to, he'd probably drink an entire ocean, just for her.

But last night, no matter how much she begged him not to, Dad still called the doctor.

"Demilade, this is–"

Her words were punctuated by a bout of coughs, the fit interrupting her attempt to speak. I placed my hand on her back, my touch an attempt to soothe the harsh coughing while Toyosi hurried to fetch another cup of water.

Amid the coughing, Dad's unwavering concern resonated in the room.

"– This is completely unnecessary." She finally completed her statement when her laughter subsided, her voice a little harsh and grouchy from coughing too much.

"If you call worrying about your health unnecessary, then fine. But I'm going to worry anyway because you are my wife and it's my job to worry." He maintained stubbornly.

"Demi," my mother interjected, her voice a soft plea.

"I'm not going to gamble with your life, Kendra," He said, a resolve in his gaze that left no room for negotiation. "Not at this point. This is the moment where I don't care what you want, I'm getting the doctor."

For the first time, I agreed with him. There's no way we are gambling her life like this.

"Demilade, stop..." She stroked to stop him again as he made to leave the room, but her word hung in his throat when he turned around, his eye flashing.

"Kendra!"

His voice boomed, his tone swinging between a warning and a plea, the sheer frustration of this situation clouding his whole expression. There was silence in the room for a moment, with them staring at each other. Toyosi and I stared between them before looking at each other, the slight surprise on her face definitely mirroring mine.

This was the first time we'd be witnessing Demilade Jordan using such stern tones on his wife because it has always been the other way around. It was weird, foreign, but we knew better than to come between this... mostly because for once, we were on the same page with his decision.

His shoulders slumped, an exhausted sigh escaping his lips. Then he walked back into the room, to mum, cupping her face between his palms and bringing her head to his, foreheads touching.

"I love you, Kendra."

This wasn't the first time I would witness him proclaiming his love for her in front of us, his kid unashamedly. But there was something about the way he said it now... something that made it sound more powerful than he has ever said it, more potent.

And despite his frustration, those words didn't come from a place of resignation.

It came from a place of determination.

"I won't lose you." He added, proving me right. He was literally telling her that in case that was what she had in mind, resigning to a damned fate, he won't let that happen.

But what I didn't expect was when he turned his eyes to me, to where I was seated beside Mum, and whispered,

"And I'm not losing this family."

Those words struck my core.

He didn't wait for any response from any of us, didn't wait for her to try and dissuade him from what he already had his mind set on. He just pressed a brief kiss to the top of her head and left the room to go get the doctor.

The doctor finally showed up but without Dad, and we were finally able to get Mum to sleep after giving her some pain relievers in the early hours of this morning. I took it upon myself to stay by her bedside and watch her, just in case.

More like I couldn't sleep with Dad's words running through my head.

I lost track of time till Toyosi woke up around 6:30 am, saw that I was still awake, and talked me into sleeping. And yet, in both my conscious and unconscious state, those words wouldn't stop playing in my mind like bad music.

"Here you go," The barista's voice tore through my thoughts. I looked to see her holding out the cardboard tray with two stereo-form coffee cups. I took it from her.

"Thank you," I said, sliding her the folded naira note as payment. But she didn't accept it, sliding it back to me with a shake of her head.

"Don't worry about that. It's on the house," She told me, a small understanding smile playing on her lips. Exhaling, I mustered a smile back at the grand gesture.

"Thank you," I whispered in gratitude, taking the tray and finding my way back to my mum's ward through the elevators.

"Too much coffee isn't good for your health, Simisola," Mum's voice filled the room as soon as I walked in and Toyosi laughed at that from where she was seated on the bed behind mum, making her hair into neat twists. I swung my face toward them and gave them a look.

"It's not all for me," I answered, placing the cardboard tray on the bedside table and taking one cup. Toyosi came down from the bed to grab the second cup, taking a sip of the coffee.

She gagged, grimacing at the taste.

"Why is there so much milk in this?" She checked out, dropping the cup back to the table like it contained the most irritating thing she has ever tasted.

"Not everyone likes their coffee as dark as your soul," I retorted, flashing her a teasing smile. She glared back at me.

"Then you don't know good things." She fired back at me and I stuck my tongue out to her. Mum laughed, clearly amused by the banter between her children.

It was such a troll to see her laugh, felt good to see her happy. And thankfully, she didn't seem to be in any pain, unlike last night.

Toyosi murmured something ain't going to get the kind of coffee she wanted and I showed her away, taking her former position on mum's bed.

"You look better," I commented, my lips stretching in a smile. She smiled back.

"I feel better." She affirmed. Asides feeling better, she actually sounded better.

Ever since I've been here for almost two weeks, it's been one hell of a rollercoaster. I won't even lie, things got really scary at some point. There have been good days, and there have been really bad days; Mum having a crisis in the middle of the night that would keep all of us up all night. Hence, why coffee has been my best friend.

But today seemed to be one of those good days and I was here for it. I just hope nothing ruins it.

"You know you don't have to be here all the time," Mum spoke, and I furrowed my brows, wondering why she'd say that. "You have been here for almost two weeks and I don't think you have gone out once." She added.

"And where else would I rather be, mum?" I asked her. "Home? Because it would be really insensitive to be at home while all of you are here, while you are here. There is nothing home has to offer me right now if you are not in it." I told her.

She sighed.

"I'm not saying you should go home," She said. "I'm only saying that I'd rather you be anywhere that is not as depressing as a hospital," Now it was my turn to sigh. "Like out there with your friends." She added.

"My only friend is in Dubai with her family for Christmas and New Year." I reminded her.

"And Hilary?" Her brow tugged up in question.

I should have known Hilary would come up. I shook my head, a soft chuckle escaping my lips.

"If there is anyone that understands why I need to be here, it's Hilary," I stated shrewdly. "Besides, there is absolutely no way in heaven and on earth that I'm staying away from you at this point when you need me around. I have been robbed of many months with you and this is me making up for it."

I made sure to let her know, looking her in the eye as I said every word. She sighed, taking my hand in hers and bringing it up to her lips. She pressed kisses to the back of my palm.

"It's okay to want to do your own thing, Simisola." She said to me. "I don't want you to be stuck here with me while your life passes by before your eyes. I want you to live, my sweet boy. I want you to have fun."

My lips tugged slightly in a smile.

"And your idea of me having fun probably starts with the letter H, doesn't it?" I bobbed my head to the side to look at her, catching on to the subtle message she's been trying to pass across.

Mum laughed, and my smile widened.

"I like seeing you happy, Simi," She noted. "And she does that quite easily." She added in a small whisper. Exhaling, I nodded slowly.

"She does," I admitted.

Hilary makes me happy.

Asides from phone calls, video calls, and two visits to this place, Hilary and I haven't really had any time to ourselves in almost two weeks. I won't lie, but it's torture not being around her.

But, I'm not selfish, and neither was she. She has been nothing short of understanding of the situation and has offered as much moral and emotional support as she could... as I needed, even if she couldn't see me.

She's been there. She has always been there.

She has made being in love with her so easy.

"You are going to be spending a lot of time here," Mum's voice cut through my thoughts and I looked at her. "Christmas is in two days and you are obviously going to be spending it here, all the way to New Year. You should see her at least once, spend some time with her because you might not be seeing her till you resume back to school."

"I'm not leaving your side, Mum," I maintained.

"I'm not going anywhere and I'm clearly not going to be alone." She responded, trying to persuade me. I exhaled, knowing that she wouldn't budge.

I swear, she's more interested and invested in my relationship with Hilary than I am. It's funny and pretty much uncharacteristic of a Nigerian Mother. I mean, isn't she supposed to be lecturing me on abstinence and telling me to be careful because women have the power to destroy a man's life?

Maybe she sees that you are a lost cause and she has accepted that you will forever be a certified mumu for love. My subconscious mocked me.

I managed to bit back a chuckle at that thought.

Mum was going to say something again, obviously, another pitch to convince me to take the day off, and spend it with Hilary; and heaven knows I'm already heavily considering it when the door opened and Dad walked in with a nurse.

Toyosi followed behind them, holding a stereo-form cup that certainly contained black coffee.

Dad walking in made me realize that he wasn't available all through the night after calling in Dr. Desmond. I stayed awake till 6:30 am, and till Toyosi convinced me to catch a little zees, he didn't show up.

I don't know if he showed up this morning while I was asleep, but that didn't stop the grimace from forming on my face at his presence. He was absent for four hours. Whatever his excuse must be didn't even matter because it would even be stupid.

There was no excuse for leaving his sick wife for sick a long time.

His eyes met mind for a brief moment before moving to mum, a small smile tigger at the corners of his lips.

"Hey," He came up to her, pressing a dainty kiss to her forehead. Her eyes fluttered close, the emails on her lips mirroring his.

"Where have you been?" She asked him when he pulled away, her voice in a whisper but I could hear her. "You didn't come back last night." She added, that statement confirming that he hasn't shown up since 2:30 am.

Make that ten hours and a half hours. My frown deepened.

"I'm sorry," He whispered back, sincerity in his eyes and tone that I didn't fail to notice, but definitely not buying. "I had somewhere to be." He added like that was the best excuse he could come up with for being absent for ten hours.

I couldn't stop the scoff that left my lips, causing both their attention to turn to me.

"Somewhere more important than the bedside of your wife?" I spat out don disdain, unable to help myself.

"Simisola," Mum chided, her expression in a disapproving frown.

"It's okay," He stopped her from going off on me, holding her hand in his. I hissed under my breath and got up from the bed, stepping away from both of them.

"What was that about?" Toyosi whispered harshly when I got to her side.

"What was what about?" I questioned back while watching the nurse get to Mum and check her vitals, feigning ignorance.

Toyosi rolled her eyes.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about, André," she countered, giving me that piercing look of hers that was supposed to be intimidating.

"You have been giving Dad a hard time for weeks now and it's becoming really painful to watch, even for mum." She stated.

"You talk like he doesn't deserve it." It was my turn to give her a bombastic side-eye. She exhaled.

"I'm not saying he doesn't," she defended. "I just don't want you wasting your time and energy on this when you should be doing something a lot more productive." She said.

A humorless chuckle escaped my lips.

"I'm not complaining," I responded with a dismissive tone, letting her know that I was done with the conversation. Thankfully, she got the memo, exhaling deeply but not saying anything else.

Dad and I have been walking on eggshells around each other... or rather, Dad has been walking on eggshells around me ever since I gave him a piece of my mind. His countenance has done a whole 360 on me, almost shocking me. He was gentler, especially in his speech, and very careful of what he says around me or to me.

It's almost as if he was scared to trigger me.

Pouring out my mind the way I did has invoked a side of Demilade Jordan that I haven't seen in years, a side I have even forgotten still existed. Toyosi seemed to be warming up to him, for Mum's sake, she says.

But God forbid I make it so easy for him.

Soon, the nurse finished with Mum and left, leaving just the four of us in the room again.

"I'm hungry," Toyosi voiced out.

"Then go and buy something to eat," I shoved her and she glared at me. "Abi, are you not an established CEO again?" I teased, and a ghost smile settled on her lips.

"You know what," He spoke, his eyes lighting up like a light bulb went off in his head, which I'm sure it did.  "Why don't we go out, three of us,"

Ehn? My brows shot up in incredulity.

"That sounds like a good idea," Mum chipped and Toyosi bought into the idea as well. "Just get me something sweet when you are coming back. I'm craving ice cream." She pouted. He smiled back at her, promising to get her what she needed s

"I'm sorry, but I'll have to pass." I declined easily, looking him right in the eye as I did.

I knew what he was selling. I just wasn't buying it. As I said, like hell I'd make it easy for him.

I mean, when was even the last time we went out as a family? What game was he trying to play?

"André, don't be so difficult." Toyosi chided. A chuckle left my lips.

"Difficult," I repeated in a mumble. "Okay," I shrugged, shoving my hands into the pocket of my joggers.

I can't do this with them.

"Enjoy your day out," I said.

"Wait," He said when I made to walk past him, hand clasped around my bicep to stop me from moving further.

What the...

My eyes fell nowhere he held me, then moved up to look at him, the down on my face very evident, eyes darkened with annoyance.

"If you don't want to eat out with us, that's fine. But here,"

He fished out one of his credit cards and held it out for me. I looked at it for a moment, then turned to him, brows tugged up in question as to what I'm supposed to do with his credit card.

"You still need to eat. I noticed you didn't have anything throughout yesterday," Well, that's a first. "Buy yourself something." He said while I kept staring at him like he had lost his goddamn mind.

What the fuck is this supposed to be? Him being a caring father by shoving his credit card in my face?

A scoff escaped my lips, followed by a shake of my head.

"What the hell do you think you are doing?" I had to ask, maybe whatever he says would make all this theatrics make sense.

"Language, Simisola," Mum warned, but I ignored, my gaze unflinching from Dad.

"Since when did you start giving a fuck about me?" I tugged my brow up in question, daring him to come up with a very tangible answer.

But all I got back was him dropping his gaze from mine in shame, his hand leaving mine. That seemed like a gesture of deafest, but for me, it was all the answer I needed. He didn't have a good answer to my question.

A sad smile made its way to my lips.

"That's what I thought."

I muttered, picking my duffel bag from the armchair and car keys from the tabletop before walking out of the room and into the hallway. The heavy steps behind me belonged to Toyosi. I knew that even before she got a chance to speak.

"Don't follow me," I told her.

"You really need to ease up on Dad, André." She spoke from behind me.

I didn't stop walking.

"The disrespect is already getting too much, it's embarrassing."

Now that made me halt in my steps. I turned to her sharply, causing her to stop abruptly.

"Disrespect?" I asked incredulously. "Toyosi, you of all people know that he doesn't deserve my respect. Heck, he hasn't deserved my respect for years, yet I keep acknowledging him. But the one time I decide to change it for the man, I'm the problem?"

I can't believe this.

She sighed.

"You know that's not what I meant–"

"Then tell me what you meant," I fired back. "Because that man did you wrong but here you are, defending him over and over again. Why?"

"Because even after everything, the undeniable fact remains that he is our Dad and he will always be our Dad,"

Like that will ever change a thing for me.

"You want to show him shege, you are well within your rights to, André. But ease up on him." She pleaded.

"And when has he ever eased up on me?" I asked her. "All he has ever known is me respecting him despite not being okay with any of his decisions, but now, he is seeing a side of me that he has never seen before, a side of him he deserves to see. All I am doing is giving him a taste of his own medicine but with the truth.–

He is trying to buy me back, using money to entice me. How dumb does he think I am? It only shows that he hasn't learned his lesson and I am more than to continue teaching him till he learns the hard way."

I conclude, saying all that needs to be said. When Toyosi didn't speak, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, I took it that she had nothing more to say, so I made to leave.

But I was wrong. She did have something to say.

"Do you really think teaching him a lesson is what this family needs right now?" She asked. I didn't have an answer to give so I just kept walking.

"Do you think this is what mum needs right now–"

"Don't!"

I growled, turning abruptly and pointing my index finger at her. Her eyes widened, not expecting that sort of reaction from me. She probably thought that statement will make me thaw, but it was the complete opposite.

"Don't use what's happening to Mum to emotionally blackmail me into doing your bidding because it's not going to work," I stated point blank, and her shoulders slumped in dejection.

"I love you, Toyosi, and I don't want to fight you," I told her. "You have decided to forgive him, that's on you. But I haven't. Not until he realizes everything he has done wrong and apologizes for it. So this is between me and him."

I held her gaze as I spelled out every word, making her see that I meant everything.

"Stay out of it."

With that, I turned around and walked away from her, and she didn't stop me this time.

It wasn't until I got outside the hospital building that I was able to breathe properly. Tears welled up in my eyes but I was quick to blink them back.

Not today, Satan.

Not today.

Suddenly, Mum's idea for me to spend time with Hilary came back to mind. I'd rather spend time with her than spend the afternoon with my Dad trying to be a good parent for once in his life.

So, I fished out my phone and texted her.

Me.
Hey. Are you busy?

Her reply came in seconds, like she has been expecting the message from me.

Hilary 💕✨
Looking up university choices, nothing too serious. Why?

Me.
Can I come pick you up? Spend the afternoon with me🥹.

Hilary💕✨
Do you even have to ask, Bubba 🌚? I'm dressing up right now.

A wide smile stretched at the corners of my lips.

I got to Hilary's house within an hour and a half because Eden City was rather far from her side. I parked in front of the house, got down, and leaned against the bonnet while firing a quick text to her to inform her of my arrival.

In no time, I heard the door of the house open and looked through the barb-wired dense to see Hilary skipping out of the house. My lips stretched in an automatic smile as I watched her, every single negative energy I brought here dissipating into thin air just by one look at her.

Soon, she was outside the gate, and in one swift move, she was already in front of me, literally throwing herself at me.

I nearly toppled over, a hearty laugh escaping my lips as I wrapped my hands around her to steady her against me.

"Someone missed me," I teased, my hands around her middle.

"I'll never deny nor affirm that claim," She answered, her face nuzzled in my chest. I laugh again.

"God, you smell so good," She mumbled, more to herself than to me but I heard and couldn't stop my smile from stretching even further. Then she raised her head and gave me a child-like curious look.

"How do you always smell so good?" she asked the question like she genuinely wanted to know. I chuckled.

"Funny how I haven't had my bath yet," I told her. That was all it took for her to jump away from me, her face scrunched up in disgust.

"Ewww!" She gagged, and my mouth fell open.

Ahh, it's me that is ewww. God, I have suffered.

"But you just said now that I smell nice." I retorted.

"I lied." She fired back, eliciting an exaggerated gasp from me. The mischievous glint in her eyes and silent cackle told me she was only teasing, and she was having so much fun while at it.

This girl.

"Come here!"

I grabbed her hand and yanked her toward me. She giggled, throwing weak punches at me, a futile attempt to break away from my hold, even though I was sure she didn't want to. Soon, I had my hands wrapped around her again, and she was fighting me anymore, her hands thrown around my neck as she held me down in an embrace.

Now, that feels nice.

I held her against me, burying my face in the crook of her neck, inhaling her intoxicating scent– taking in the hints of warm vanilla and citrus, a natural fragrance that was uniquely hers.

"Hey."

The word escaped my lips in a whispered exhale, and I felt her tremble slightly in my arms at the feel of my breath against her skin, a silent response to my voice. Heaven knows I will never get over the kind of effect I had on her.

"Hey back," she whispered back, and I smiled, raising my face from the side of her neck to kiss the side of her head.

We pulled back slightly, but I still had my hands around her.

"You look good," I said to her, my eyes taking a sweep of her outfit.

Good was an understatement of the decade. She looked hot.

(Hilary's outfit🔥)

Her lips stretched in a wide smile.

"Thank you," she answered. "You are coming from the hospital?" She asked.

"Yeah," I nodded. "I needed a break from all that," I said, and she nodded, understanding glistening in her eyes. "Besides, I haven't spent time with you in almost two weeks.–

I missed you." I whispered.

Her gaze lowered, and a shy smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"I missed you too." She finally admitted, and my smile automatically widened.

"Hilary!"

We both turned toward the direction of the voice, only for me to see Hilary's mum standing by the gate, watching the both of us.

Jesus!

My hands dropped to the side immediately, and I stepped away from Hilary, leaving ample space between us. She gave me a funny look, while I looked completely mortified by the presence of her mum.

How long has she been watching us?

The last time she saw us at such close range, I couldn't speak to Hilary for almost a month. God forbid that ever happens again.

Greet, Simi! Greet! My subconscious reminded me that there was a grown adult about fifteen feet from me, looking at me like I lacked home training.

I'm exaggerating. She's smiling.

That's even scarier.

"G-Good afternoon ma," I quickly called out, bowing a little in reverence while inwardly cussing myself for stuttering.

"Good afternoon dear,"

Unlike the first time I saw her, she was all smily today. And even with the distance, that made me notice the striking resemblance between her and Hilary. She didn't look like she had an issue with my presence. Even if she did, she was doing a very good job of hiding it.

"Hilary, you forgot your jacket," She held up a black pullover.

"I don't need it," Hilary called back with a pout.

"Toor, If you catch a cold and you come back to this house sneezing and coughing, you are on your own o. I'll just take you to the hospital and dump you there was Christmas and New Year." She didn't even argue with her daughter.

Hilary rolled her eyes and muttered something about how dramatic her mum was, eliciting a smile from me.

"And please, be back by eight." She instructed. "You will not give me a heart attack in Jesus name." She casually added that last part, and I couldn't stop the chuckle from escaping my lips.

"Don't worry, ma. I'll get her home safely," I chipped in, and the woman looked at me, a gentle smile playing on her lips.

"I trust that you would." She answered. It might be just a simple statement, but it went miles to make my heart swell in my chest.

"Drive safe," She waved at us as she disappeared back into the house. I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding. I turned to Hilary and saw her smirking at me.

"Your mum is chill now, compared to the last time I saw her," I stated, referring to the day she found us standing so dangerously close in the hallway of the admin building at school.

"I managed to convince her that you are one of the good ones," Hilary answered. "And what can I say, she trusts my judgment a lot more now more than ever. She feels I have grown and matured." She gave a look that said she was basking in that high praise from her mum. I chuckled.

"I don't doubt that," I responded. "Come on," I nodded toward the car. "Let's hit the road. Traffic on the mainland is terrible this time of the year."

"It will feel like a road trip." She wiggled her brows at me. And I laughed for the hundredth time.

It was another trip to my house, and just like Hilary said, it was basically a field trip.

I noticed she was extra excited today, taking pictures and videos like she was documenting a vlog. Her energy radiated through me, it was contagious. If she was excited, I was excited.

And when I asked her why she was so chirpy today, she looked me right in the eye and said one word.

"You."

Till I got to the house, I wasn't myself, smiling like a love-sick puppy.

I'm hopeless.

"So, are you just home to have your bath?" Hilary asked me as we entered the living room.

"Nah," I answered, shutting the door behind me and dropping the car keys into the key bowl. "I came to change my clothes, put these in the washer." I held up the duffel bag. She nodded.

"That's good because I'm not in a hurry to leave," She said, her lips tugged in a small smile, the glint in her eyes holding suggestion. My smile widened.

"Well, I'm not ready to release you yet either," I said, my voice reduced to a husky whisper, holding the same suggestiveness that was in her eyes, letting her know that I got her message loud and clear.

We went to my room after I dropped the clothes in the machine and left them to wash.

"Do you want something to eat?" I asked, holding my phone up. "I want to place an order for spaghetti stir fry," I added.

"Yes please," She easily agreed, walking toward my wardrobe. I placed the order to the vendor and it said the food will be here in thirty minutes. Hilary threw my wardrobe doors open.

"What kind of clothes do you want to pack?" She asked me.

"Something that can withstand the cold," I answered, putting off my jacket and throwing it on the bed. "It's the harmattan." I reminded her, throwing off my shirt as well, leaving me alone in my singlet vest and joggers.

"So hoodies, sweatshirts, and joggers," she listed, throwing me a glance over her shoulder.

"Yes, please," I nodded, kicking off my slides and putting off my socks. "But no jeans, abeg. They are very uncomfortable." I said, and she hummed in response, bringing out the choices of outfits and folding them.

It's so fascinating how familiar and comfortable she has gotten with everything in my house. Like she belonged. I wanted to help... or even watch, but she wouldn't let me.

"Go and have your bath," She told me. "I'll handle this," she said.

"Thanks," I smiled in appreciation, dropping my phone on the bed beside the duffel bag. I was about to enter the bathroom when I realized.

"Uhm... you don't have to–"

"Don't worry, I won't touch your under-wears." She interjected me, saying that with the straightest face ever. My eyes widened in shock.

How can she say that so casually?

"That's not even what I wanted to–"

I wanted to switch up, even though that was exactly what I wanted to tell her but not in such a straightforward way. But the look she gave me shut me up immediately, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Okay," I muttered, walking right into the bathroom before she sees the heat go up my face. Her laugh echoed, making me even more mortified.

This girl. I chuckled, shaking my head as I stepped out of my clothes.

I stepped into the shower, the cold water flowing down on my body like a soothing embrace. The rivulets of water flowed down my broad shoulders, tracing a path along the sculpted muscles of my chest and abdomen, my damp, tousled hair was slicked back and I ran my fingers through.

As the steam enveloped me, it felt like a cocoon of solitude—a place where I could finally let my guard down and allow my thoughts to roam freely. The water droplets slid down my skin, carrying with them the weight of my frustration from earlier... before I picked up Hilary.

My mind drifted back to the hospital, to everything that went down between my Dad and me. The memory replayed in my mind—the hurt in his eyes at my words, the sharp words I hurled at him—and a twinge of guilt gnawed at me.

A part of me felt like maybe I was being too harsh, too unyielding. But another part, a stronger part, reminded me that my actions were justified. I needed to stand up for myself, to let him know that I wasn't going to be a pushover anymore.

I needed to teach him a lesson.

He needs to understand the gravity of what he put me through... and this wasn't just about Mum.

As the water flowed over me, I let out a sigh, releasing some of the tension that had built up within me. My thoughts shifted, and I found myself mentally shifting gears to focus on Hilary. It was funny how her presence was never too far from my mind, no matter where I was.

I could almost sense her just outside the bathroom door, her energy evident and comforting.

I allowed myself a small smile, realizing how attuned I was to her, even in moments of solitude like this. There was an unspoken connection between us, a bond that seemed to grow stronger each day. The thought of her waiting for me made the steam-filled air feel warmer, more inviting.

I leaned my head against the cool tiles, letting the water cascade over me. My mind drifted back to her soft smile, the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed. Her presence had a way of easing the weight of my worries, replacing them with a sense of hope and anticipation.

And as I stood there, in the intimate embrace of the shower, I knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, I wouldn't have to face them alone.

She anchored me.

"Hey," I heard Hilary call out, her voice sounding a little distant because of the sound of the shower running. I reduced the pressure so that I could hear her.

"Yeah?" I called back.

"I'm packing tee shirts too." She informed me, and I chuckled. She didn't even have to tell me because I trusted her to pack the right things for me.

"It's okay," I called back. I didn't hear anything back so I figured she went back to packing. I smiled and increased the pressure of the shower, spending a little more time under the cooling water.

Soon I was done. Exiting the bathroom, droplets of water still clinging to my skin, I felt the cool air of the room hit me. My joggers clung to my hips, and the towel I had draped around my neck was now in my hand, its edge skimming over my damp hair as I tried to dry it.

"So, I packed about five tee shirts," Hilary started speaking as soon as I got out, backing me as she began listing everything she packed. "Five sweats, three hoodies, and seven joggers, and I saw–"

She swerved her head in my direction and her words halted.

It was as if an electric current had passed through the air, sending a shiver down my spine. Her intense stare weighed on me, igniting a fire deep within my chest that seemed to pulse in rhythm with my heartbeat.

My eyes met hers, and I could see the desire that swirled within their depths. The intensity of her look made my heart race and a rush of warmth spread across my skin. The tip of the towel I used to dab my hair slipped from my fingers, forgotten for a moment as her gaze held me captive.

"Damn," I heard the mumble leave her lips.

She was looking at me as if I were a masterpiece as if every curve and line of my body held a secret that only she could uncover. I felt exposed under her scrutiny, vulnerable in a way I had never felt before. It was both thrilling and unnerving, a heady mixture that left me breathless.

The way she watched me, her eyes tracing the contours of my chest and the droplets of water that clung to my skin, made me acutely aware of my own body. Every sensation seemed heightened—the coolness of the air, the dampness of my hair, the warmth undulating in my abdomen.

Her gaze was a caress, a touch that set my skin ablaze. I felt an ache deep within me, a need that pulsed with every beat of my heart. It was as if her look had stripped away all pretenses, all barriers, leaving us exposed to the raw intensity of our feelings.

"Hey," I muttered, my voice caught between a gentle reprimand and a soft chuckle, "Hilary, stop looking at me like that."

"Like what?" She blinked up at me, feigning innocence with those mesmerizing eyes of hers.

I could feel her gaze roaming my body, unapologetic and shamelessly. Each glance of her eyes sent shivers down my spine, igniting a fire within me that I struggled to contain.

"You know what you're doing," I said, my voice carrying a mixture of playful reproach and a deeper intensity.

"I don't know what you're talking about." A playful smile graced her lips, and her reply danced with a daring challenge.

A heavy breath escaped me as I took a deliberate step closer, the space between us narrowing with every heartbeat.

"Yes, you do," I breathed, my eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that mirrored my desire. "And I know you do because I do too."

Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of amusement and something else, something that mirrored the emotions swirling within me.

"Well, why don't you tell me then, since you know?" She dared, her voice laced with a seductive undertone.

This girl will be the death of me.

Without breaking eye contact, I closed the remaining distance between us. I was so close now that I could feel the warmth radiating from her body, enveloping me in a cocoon of longing.

She didn't move away; instead, she seemed to revel in the electrifying connection between us, her proximity a silent admission of the tension that was building.

My breath hitched as she bit down on her bottom lip, a move that sent a jolt of desire straight through my veins.

Fuck me.

"Don't do that," I warned, my voice husky and thick with the raw passion that surged through me.

My gaze dipped to her glossed lips, a magnetic pull I couldn't resist. My hand found its way to her chin, my thumb gently freeing her bottom lip from its delicate trap between her teeth with a soft "pop".

The touch was achingly tender, charged with the yearning that had been simmering beneath the surface.

Our faces were mere inches apart now, the air thick with the intoxicating blend of our emotions. Time seemed to stand still, our souls caught in a powerful vortex of desire and vulnerability.

In that charged moment, a distant chime pierced the air, the doorbell ringing out like an uninvited guest, slicing through the charged air like a lifeline.

Our food has arrived.

Damn that delivery guy!

"I should probably go get that,"

Hilary whispered, her voice hushed and breathless. I nodded, reluctantly stepping back, my chest heaving with a mixture of frustration and anticipation. She bypassed me and left, and I was finally able to breathe properly.

Fuck it, I think I need another cold shower.

We were seated on the rigged floor of my reading corner, our meal splayed out between us in small cartons like Chinese food, the two bottles of water I had gotten from my mini-fridge side by side.

"How's your mum?" Hilary asked. "Sorry, I didn't ask this earlier."

"It's okay," I shrugged. "And she's okay," I added. "It's been a rather bumpy ride but she's getting through it. We are getting through it." I said, managing a small smile. Hilary nodded slowly.

"No crisis lately?" She asked, her tone careful. I didn't answer immediately, holding up my index to tell her to give me a second while I gulped water.

"There was one last night," I told her, and her gaze fell. "Don't worry, it wasn't so bad," I quickly clarified to ease her. "She just had this dull pain in her chest that wouldn't let her sleep. It was very uncomfortable." I explained.

"But she's okay now." It was more of a statement than a question, concern and worry marring her features. I smiled and nodded.

"Yes, she is," I assured Hilary and a sigh of relief left her lips.

"Thank God." She whispered, and my smile widened even more.

Hilary cared, way too much like mum was her own mum, like she could feel the pain we felt as a family. She cared like my family was hers. She didn't have many reasons to, but she did anyway.

What did I say again about her making it so easy to be in love with her?

"How about your dad?" She suddenly asked.

My hand stopped midway to my mouth, and I looked at her.

God forbid I lose my appetite because of that man.

I put the food in my mouth.

"What about him?" I asked, trying to seem unfazed by the question. But Hilary gave me a look that said she could see right through me.

Of course, she could.

"Any drama happened between you two lately?" She asked, brows tugged up in question. I shrugged.

"Nothing you don't already know about," I answered. "He is trying to make amends, but going about it in the wrong way. The only new thing is that Toyosi is pretty much on his side now after everything he has done to her. She's telling me to ease up on him,"

I scoffed, remembering how the conversation played out.

"Like he has ever eased up on me," I mumbled in addition, not caring that I probably sounded like a petulant child.

When Hilary didn't say anything for a moment, I looked at her and found her already staring at me, a conflicted look playing on her face.

I knew that look.

"No," I said immediately, and she burst into laughter.

"I haven't even said anything yet!" She defended between laughter.

"I know that look on your face, and I know what you are thinking," I fired back. "You agree with Toyosi." I frowned.

"I never said that."

"But you do."

She exhaled, holding her hands up in surrender.

"Okay, hear me out," she appealed to me, reaching out to hold my hand like she was trying to appease me.

"Trust me when I say I am on your side. I will always be on your side, Bubba," That dang pet name that makes my heart flutter. "But I do agree with Toyosi that you need to ease up on your dad. And no, it's not to make things easy for him, it's to make things easy for you." She said to me.

I exhaled, not saying anything. She took that as a cue to say something again.

"You might not be able to take the guilt that comes with it when you say something to him, something that might break him, something you cannot take back."

"I don't feel guilty," I said to her. "I feel fine. In fact, I feel great standing up to the man for the first time. It's exhilarating giving him a piece of my mind and seeing him actually mellow, knowing that won't forget my words in a hurry."

"Of course, that will feel good for the moment," She agreed with me. "But you and I know that feeling doesn't last,"

That got to me, knowing I was feeling exactly that in the bathroom a while ago.

"You are not a bad person, Simi," She whispered. "You don't want to hurt your Dad internationally, even if it's just for revenge. You want to teach him a lesson and that's okay. But you need to do it with wisdom.–

Easing up on him and doing things the right way to prove to him that you are not the son he thought you were doesn't mean you have forgotten everything he did to you. It only makes you the bigger person."

She finished.

I stared at her for a moment, taking in her words, digesting the message in everything she said.

"And Jidenna?" I asked, my tone careful. If she was shocked at my line of question, she didn't show it.

Instead, she smiled.

"I've forgiven Jidenna, even though I haven't completely forgotten everything he did to me. And that's fine because I'm still healing. You are too. It doesn't have to be immediate, okay?"

I nodded, taking in a deep breath. I didn't have to admit it out loud but she was right, and we both knew she was right.

And that's enough.

"I suddenly feel like swimming," She said suddenly, dropping her empty carton of spaghetti and standing up.

"Hilary, it's cold outside." I laughed. "The water will be freezing," I added. But her smile only got wider.

"Even better," She grabbed her bag, opened it, and brought out a black swimwear. I laughed again.

"You came prepared," I noted.

"Of course," she rolled her eyes comically. "Your house has the best pool I've ever been in. Besides, I haven't had the opportunity to swim again since the last time I was here." She said.

"Okay," I agreed, grinning. "Let me leave you to change–" I made to get up.

"No, don't worry," She shook her head. "I'll use downstairs. You change, and meet me out back."

"I never said I was joining you–"

"Simi!"

"Yes ma'am,"

"Meet me out back."

"Okay, ma'am."

As I walked out of the house, the evening sunlight hit my eyes, momentarily blinding me. Shielding my eyes with my hand, I blinked a few times, allowing my vision to adjust. And there she was, standing by the pool, a vision that made my heart skip a beat.

Damn!

Hilary was wearing her swimsuit, and my breath caught in my throat as my eyes roamed over her. The fabric seemed to caress her every curve, emphasizing the gentle slope of her hips, the delicate arch of her waist. The color blended beautifully against her skin, the soft hues complimenting her natural beauty.

The evening light played a seductive dance across her skin, setting it aglow as if she were bathed in a halo of radiance. Her hair, slightly damp, cascaded down her shoulders in a way that made my fingers tingle with the urge to run through the silky strands.

"Wow!"

I breathed out, taking a hesitant step forward, my heart pounding in my chest. She turned towards me, her smile lighting up her face as our eyes met.

"Took you long enough," She mused, her voice carrying a mixture of playfulness and warmth.

"I've seen beauty, but this..." I trailed off, whistling. "This is a fucking discovery." I couldn't take my eyes off her.

She rolled her eyes at me but I didn't miss the slight flush tinted her cheeks, adding an extra layer of allure to her appearance. Her smile was a mix of confidence and shyness, a combination that had my heart racing.

"So, are you just going to stand there and gawk at me?" She smirked. "Or are you coming to jump in?"

"Better don't let me meet you there," I started making my way toward her. Her laughter rang through the air as she bounded towards the pool's edge, her excitement contagious.

With an arc, she dived into the cool, inviting water, her body slicing through the surface like a sleek mermaid. I stopped and watched her for a moment, captivated by the sheer joy radiating from her as she resurfaced, water cascading off her glistening skin.

Unable to resist the pull, I followed suit, my body seamlessly transitioning from solid ground to fluid embrace, her laughter echoing like a sweet melody, drawing me in. The initial shock of the cold water gave way to a soothing sensation that enveloped me as if the pool itself was a sanctuary of serenity.

Together, we swam and played, our movements fluid and effortless. Hilary had gotten more comfortable in the water, she was having fun. I was having fun. We exchanged playful splashes and challenged each other to underwater contests of who could hold their breath the longest.

I won, dhurr.

As the sun began to dip lower, casting a warm and ethereal glow, our movements slowed. Soon, our playfulness transformed into something softer, something more intimate, as if the water itself was a conduit for the emotions that bloomed between us. We glided towards each other, our eyes locked in a quiet exchange that spoke volumes.

With gentle grace, I reached out, my fingers finding her face, sweeping away the wet strands of hair that clung to her skin. Her eyes fluttered close for a moment as she leaned into my touch. Then she looked up at me, her eyes reflecting the fading light, letting out a cool breath that fanned my face.

"So," she drawled out in a whisper, mist leaving her lips. "This is the last I'm going to be seeing this year, or at worst, because we resume, right?" She asked. I nodded, trailing my fingers down her face to my chin.

"Probably," I answered, my voice also as hushed as hers. She nodded, but I could see in her eyes that she wasn't okay with that.

Oh my...

"Hey," I called when she tried to avert her gaze from mine, tilting her head up so that her eyes would not waver away from mine. "We will make it work, I promise," And I planned on keeping that promise. "I'll call you every day if I have to–"

A soft chuckle escaped her lips.

"You don't have to call every day, Simi," She said.

"But I will," I maintained. "And if I can't call you every day, we will chat every day, and we will video call each other as often as we can. It will be like we were never apart. I'm going to make sure you don't miss me, I swear."

She gave me a look, a small smile playing on her lips, and I realized how weird that last part sounded. A breathy laugh escaped my lips.

"Forget that last part," I said and she laughed. I joined her.

Soon, our laughter subsided and everything went silent, safe for our breathing and silent splashing of water. The pool's water shimmered under the setting sky, night setting in, creating a cascade of reflections that danced across its surface.

Hilary and I were now in a world of our own, surrounded by the gentle sounds of the evening; distant sounds of cars passing through the road and crickets, and the evident tension that hung between us.

I pressed my forehead against her, exhaling, the intensity of the moment hit me like a tidal wave. There was something unspoken that lingered in the air, a magnetic pull that drew us closer. My heart raced.

I knew that this was the moment everything had been leading up to.

"I love you, Hilary," I whispered, my voice soft but charged with emotion.

Her breath caught, a tremor running through her, and a shaky exhale escaped her lips. I watched as her eyes glistened with raw vulnerability, and I felt a surge of tenderness for her that was almost overwhelming.

"Everything feels so right at this moment. I want to savor it with you, every heartbeat, every breath." I said, my words a thread of desire woven with sincerity.

The atmosphere around us grew thick with emotions, the air heavy with unspoken words and longing. I became acutely aware of our proximity, of how her body was only inches away from mine. The intensity of the moment was deep, the heat of desire pulsating between us.

My gaze was fixed on her, unrelenting, and as if drawn by an invisible force, I reached out and tilted her chin up with my index finger. Her eyes met mine, and I saw the reflection of my own emotions mirrored back at me. Her shaky breath fanned my face, and it intoxicated me, igniting a fire within me that I had no control over.

With each heartbeat, I realized how close we were, how her lips were just a whisper away from mine.

This was it.

Our first kiss.

But doubt gnawed at the edges of my mind, and I found myself hesitating, holding back. I wasn't sure if she wanted this as much as I did, or if she was ready to do this with me.

"You are holding back,"

Her soft voice broke through the silence, and I felt her breath against my skin, clouding my senses. It was impossible to think straight, her presence overwhelming every thought.

"I don't know if you want me to—"

"I want you to," she interjected immediately, her voice laced with urgency. Her words were all the reassurance I needed, the affirmation that erased any reservations I had.

In an instant, she moved closer to me, her body pressed against mine with a tantalizing friction that set my nerves on fire. I felt every curve, every contour of her against me, a perfect fit that defied any sense of space between us.

Her body against mine was perfection, a perfect blend of desire and innocence that ignited something wild within me. The energy between us was electric, the air vibrating with anticipation as if the universe itself held its breath, waiting for that crucial moment.

"Kiss me, Simi,"

⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐘
(Hilary Idara Eghosa)

"Kiss me, Simi,"

I breathed out, my voice barely above a whisper.

The words hung in the air, heavy with a wild mix of anticipation and vulnerability. This was so unlike me, daring to voice out the desire that has been simmering beneath the surface for so long.

But I was way past caring at this point.

I wanted this, so bad.

Simi's gaze bore into mine with smoldering intensity that left me completely breathless. The world around us blurred out, fading into insignificance, but the air between us crackled with tension, a palpable energy that drew me closer to him, as if he were a magnet and I was irresistibly drawn to his pull.

With each pounding heartbeat, the longing grew. His fingers brushed against my cheek, his touch feather-light, yet searing, leaving a trail of fire in its wake. I could feel the head of his body radiating towards me, pulling me like moth to flame,

A flame that threatened to consume us both.

He closed the gap between us and my lips parted in a silent invitation, soft breaths leaving my lips in short pants, every nerve on my body was on edge, every sense heightened. He angled his face to the side, his nose nuzzling against mine.

But he didn't kiss me.

Simisola was a still hesitant. I could see the conflict in his eyes, the battle between restraint and surrender. So I made the decision for him, pressing my hand against his chest and tipping my head just a little bit to brush my lips against his.

A sharp intake of breath followed.

It was from him.

I thought I did something wrong so I started to pull away. But he followed, his hand curving around my bare waist as he brushed his lips against mine back, a soft, tentative move that ignited a slow-burning fire within me, causing my eyes to flutter close and a satisfied sigh to leave my lips.

This was the first step, a gentle exploration into a territory that neither of us has ever ventured to before.

Our first kiss... individually and together, and the uncertainty of it all only added to the intensity, heightening every sensation.

Oh, my God...

Our lips moved slowly against each other in a sensual rhythm. It was slow, unhurried... deliberate, like we were trying to memorize the feel of each other lips against the other. Each press of Simi's lips against mine sent waves of pleasure through my veins.

It was as if he was savoring every inch of my mouth, causing my heart to thumb heavily in my chest.

All too soon, he pulled away from me slightly, his breath warm against my lips. My eyes opened and locked with his, and I could feel his chest heaving rapidly beneath my palm. I knew he could feel mine too, rising and falling against his.

His pupils dilated, swallowing the shining amber of his irises as they darkened with an untamed want. The desire in his eyes was raw and primal, a reflection of the deep well of emotions he has been holding back.

He certainly wasn't holding back anymore.

And then, he released a harsh, almost pained whisper with so much undiluted rawness.

"Fuck..."

Before I could comprehend his reaction, Simi's lips crashed against mine once more, knocking the breath right out of me.

This time, the kiss was different. Urgent.

The softness was still there but now it was mixed with heat and hunger, causing a moan to escape my lips, the sound drowning in our kisses. The initial uncertainty that clouded the air was replaced by a growing heat, a passion igniting between us.

Oh God...

His kisses deepened, our lips moving in a more demanding dance. His lips moved against mine with a growing urgency, a hunger that matched mine. He wove his free hand through my hair, angling my face so that he could kiss me deeper... better, pressing us more into each other, every inch of us aligned in crackling electricity.

He nipped at my bottom lip and I moaned again, my lips parting slightly. His tongue grazed my lower lip, asking for entrance. And I gave it.

I gave all of it.

God damn!

Our tongues met in a dance of fire and ice that left me trembling. The taste of him was like a drug, intoxicating and addicting, flooding my sense with a heady rush.

The growl that escaped Simi's lips told me he felt it too, the vibration of his lips against mine sending shivering coursing through my body, eliciting  a wanton moan from me. I felt weak to the knees, my body turning into fluid at every stroke of his tongue against mine.

As if he knew I was having problems staying on my feet, Simi lifted me effortlessly in his arms in a sudden surge of strength, causing his lips to leave for a fraction of second at the move. I used that opportunity to catch my breath, wrapping my hands around his neck.

I wasn't sure how he was able to lift me like I weighed nothing. The water would have made me a hundred times heavier but Simi carried me like I weighed a feather, and my legs instinctively wrapping around his waist.

In no time, his lips were back on mine again like they never left. He carried me to the edge of the pool, and my bum met the cold ties. He stood between my parted legs, hands remaining around my waist as he pressed his body into mine. I could feel the hard planes of his chest against my palm, each raging heartbeat echoing through the space between us.

Soon, Simi's lips left mine, leaving a trail of hot, feather-light kisses along the curve of my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. Each touch of his mouth against my skin ignited a fire within me, a potent mix of desire and need that pulsed through my veins.

Fuck!

I cussed in my mind, but all that left my lips was a whimper of need and plea.

The sensation was both maddeningly slow and impossibly urgent, his lips moving with purpose yet lingering in each spot as if savoring every inch of my skin.

His warm breath fanned across the sensitive flesh, and I found myself arching my neck to grant him better access. I could feel his lips parting slightly, his tongue occasionally darting out to trace the path his mouth had just taken.

"Fuck..."

I couldn't stop the word from leaving my lips in a soft gasp.

My fingers wanted to clench something so badly, I trailed my hand up his hair and fisted the curls between my fingers. An approving grunt left his lips as I tugged on his curls, the combination of his tender kisses and the electrifying warmth of his mouth against my skin threatening to unravel me.

This is Simisola Jordan, a guy that has never kissed anyone before. Yet, he was a master in this art, breaking me and molding me back with every ministration of his lips against mine.

His lips brushed against the pulse point of my neck, and a quiet gasp escaped my lips as I felt his teeth graze the sensitive spot. A low, guttural sound rumbled in his chest, a mixture of desire and restraint that only fueled the growing fire between us.

My eyes fluttered shut, and I surrendered to the intoxicating sensation of his mouth against my neck, every nerve ending coming alive under his touch.

I felt his fingers tracing the outline of my swimsuit, sending shockwaves of need through my body. The intensity and intimacy of his touch left me trembling, craving more.

And more was exactly what he gave me.

His fingers traced the curves of my hips before finding their way to my thighs, wrapping his hands around them and pulling me even closer to him in a small jerk that had me yelping slightly, a yelp that transcended into a loud moan when he softly nipped on a part of my neck.

The sensation of his body pressed against mine, the water's gentle caress against my feet, and the intoxicating taste of his kisses on my neck merged into a symphony of ecstasy.

His lips found their way back to my lips in a fusion of longing and desperation, leaving a trail of searing kisses up my neck and jaw that seared my skin with delicious heat. My moans were swallowed by his mouth, the urgency of our desire overpowering any sense of restraint.

With each kiss, each touch, he pushed me further into a realm of pleasure I had never known before.

In that stolen moment, by the water's edge, I lost myself in the intensity of our connection. Simi's hands held me as if I was the most precious thing in the world, his kisses igniting a fire that consumed every thought, every worry, until there was only him and me, bound together in a pool of desire.

It was all I could remember, forever ingrained in my mind; the sensation of his lips on mine, the fire that blazed in his touch, and the overwhelming desire that consumed us both. It was a level of intimacy that left us both breathless and hungry for more.

The Forever Seal on everything we felt and more.

𝐀/𝐍

Now, that was one hell of a kiss 🥵🔥

I don't even know what to say at this point. Simi and Hilary don hold my tongue😂, I think of what to say. Even when I do think of what to say and I want to say it, all that can come out of my mouth is hehehe 😂.

But omo, it's been long overdue and we have finally gotten the much anticipated Silary kiss 😌💕. How was it? Rate it between 1-10 in the comments🌚.

Now, I can go and rest and not write for one month because I have finally given you guys something to use to hold body.

Just kidding 😂... sort of 😈.

So, till the next update, you know the drill😌. Kisses 😘