Manal's eyes sprang open, and she jumped from his hold.

"What happened, Boss? Did I do something wrong?"

Manal's chest felt heavy, and her arousal replaced with fear. She looked wide-eyed at him.

Raza shook his head, - "I am sorry, Boss; this was my first time—"

"Stop." She raised her palm, looking away and breathing hard. "It is—not your fault." Avoiding eye contact, she hurried to her wardrobe and haphazardly asked to change so they could sleep. Raza agreed.

What was that? Manal washed her face with cool water, and huffing, she looked at her reflection. That voice rang in her ears, frightening her. The flood of bitter memories overflowed in her mind, making her shiver. Swiftly, she wore her satin ice-blue robe and pulled on the feathery sleeves.

Raza was by the heater, wearing his lounge suit. Manal cleared her throat. He raised his head and stood up. He apologized in a small voice, but she ignored him.

"Get in bed." She snapped.

"Ji?"

Manal pressed her lips, - "Where else are you planning to sleep?"

Raza lowered his head and got to the bed. Thinking for a moment, he slid to his side. Manal eyed him from the corner of her eyes whilst applying night cream.

"Do you snore?"

"No."

"Good."

"Do you, Boss?"

"What?"

"Snore?"

Manal rolled her eyes, shifting to her side and pulled the duvet till her shoulder, - "No."

Raza craned his neck to check her face, as her back was to him.

"Good night, Boss." He scooted to his side.

Initially, it was weird to be sleeping next to a man. But as the night passed, Manal's exhaustion overtook her, and she fell into a peaceful sleep.

Next morning, Manal turned and frowned, looking at the space on her bed. She propped herself up on her elbow and squinting her eyes; she looked around. There was a note on the bedpost. She pulled the yellow sticky note and read.

Sorry, Boss, for last night. All this is new to me, and I am scared I might cross my line. You have no idea what you ignite in me. I am terrified of lust for you. To avoid hurting or offending you, I am shifting to a separate room.

Manal clenched her head, took a deep breath, and tore the note. But his words did make her tingle. What could be those lustful thoughts he had? She licked her lips, now wanting to live his fantasies. It was true, the more innocent people look, the more twisted they are.

𝙱𝙾𝚁𝙰 𝙱𝙾𝚁𝙰

Raza was thrilled when their small plane skidded on the clear blue waters. He huffed, jumping on the ground. With a twinkle in his eyes, he looked around their over-water bungalows.

"Have you ever seen such a luxurious resort?" Manal raised her chin with pride. Awestruck, he shook his head. Manal grinned, walking ahead of him and along with them was the manager of the resort.

Their private bungalow faced the sparkling blue waters spreading as far as the eye can see.

Once the excitement set in, Raza felt a little queasy from so much water. Manal dropped her bag on the double bed and fell on it.

"Boss, wow, our private bungalow above the waters. Cool."

Manal stretched her neck and got up. "Want to swim?" She pointed at their outdoor pool. Raza leaned, peeping behind her. What was the point? They can jump into the waters, it won't make a difference.

Raza refused. His entire body stiffened from the tiring flight journey. He changed and dropped onto the bed and, within seconds, fell asleep.

Manal enjoyed the outdoor view and pleasant weather under the warm sun. She relaxed on the clothed beach chair, and without realization, a deep sleep overtook her.

"Boss, boss."

Manal woke up with a jolt and looked around. It was dark except for a few lights and flames from the other bungalows. Raza leaned near her face, his handsome features focused on her. She straightened.

"Boss, let's go forsome food. I am starving." Raza rubbed his belly. Manal nodded, feeling a grumblein her stomach. 

Raza paced outside their resort, checking hiswatch and fiddling with his tiny pendant. Hearing her footsteps, he flipped itback and adjusted the delicate silver chain. He turned his head and stilled,watching his wife walk towards her. Manal mindlessly racked her hand throughher long hair, her engagement ring glistening on her slim finger. She flippedher head. Raza blinked softly, eyeing her swaying hips covered with a high-waistlong skirt. Her toned legs showing off from the double slits. 

She smiled at him; Raza took a step back.

"You are looking good, dear husband." Manal placed her hands over his shoulders and slowly moved to his chest. Raza's eyes widened, lowering his head. But she kept looking at him, unbuttoning the top few buttons, exposing much of his chiselled chest.

"Better. Why hid it?" She winked.

Raza grinned, - "What if some gorgeous woman hits on me?"

Manal shrugged casually, - "Then, she will have to deal with me." Her eyes darkened for a second. "Now, come with me." She grabbed his forearm and dragged him with her.

They reached the restaurant. Raza pulled a chair for her. Manal also pulled a chair but for him.

"Wow, Boss. You can't let anyone be ahead of you."

"True."

A waiter got them drinks. Raza's lime juice and dry martini for Manal. She raised her glass and Raza clicked their glasses together.

"To our marriage," Manal announced. Raza nodded. Just as she placed her glass, Raza gently took her hand. She paused. He looked up, with tears glistening in his eyes. Then he lowered his gaze, caressing the bold ring.

"This was my mother's. Dad saved it on her behalf to give it to his bahu."

Manal's heart sank. She blinked rapidly, turning her head. There was live music and a small crowd dancing, enjoying the night. She urged Raza, and shyly he agreed. Manal took his hand.

The tune was peppy and a man's voice rang melodious. Manal turned around, held her husband's hands, placing them on her hips and stepped closer, wrapping her arms around his neck. Raza admired her as she happily moved to the tune. Amongst the crowd, someone accidentally hit them. Manal fell against him. Raza's hypnosis broke as her soft body pressed against his. He wrapped his arms around her back, giving her support. Manal tilted her head and her gaze met his warm eyes. He stared lovingly at her. She didn't move back. They remained still. The gentle breeze, the music, the lights, and cheering of the crowd, everything seemed to muffle.

Manal's eyes flickered to his lips, then to his eyes. His gaze followed. She leaned her face. He gulped softly, tilting his head. His large masculine hand moved up her back, the other held her waist. Manal slipped her hands up to the collar of his crocheted green striped shirt. She blinked, he too. Their faces were so close that the tips of their nose touched. Manal eyed his lips. Shaky breath escaped his quivering lips. Darting her gaze into his eyes. After a brief stare, she tiptoed and brushed her lips over his smooth lips. Instantly, feeling a familiar spark, she moved back. Raza held her firmly. They stared into each other's eyes again.

This time, he initiated by pressing his lips over hers. Manal shivered, gripping his collar tighter. The lips—it felt so— The desire igniting inside her felt so comforting, so, spontaneous.

"I want to kiss you."

"That was direct."

"Ain't I the first and I will be the only person to kiss these sensual lips."

Raza fumbled with the kiss. His tongue accidentally touched hers, and he retracted. Manal grabbed his head, pressing against him, and deepened their kiss. He gave in, letting her take the lead. Being a fast learner, he moved his lips smoothly over hers. Their kiss was slow and sensuous. Amongst random people, they were lost in each other.

They paused their kiss momentarily, but kept their lips locked together, and stood still. Manal breathed in deep, wrapping her arms around his neck. Raza moved his head, his lips separating from hers. Manal trembled, wanting more of his lips. He smiled with his eyes closed and touched their foreheads together. Everything stilled.

"So, this is how a kiss feels."

"How?" she breathed.

Keeping their eyes closed and forehead together, they gently moved to the song.

"So tranquil, so fervent, so rewarding, so passionate, so intense."

"Raza," Manal pressed her nose against his, gripping the back of his head, - "Kiss me again." She whispered urgently.

"Gladly." He replied and pulled her into his crushing arms for a smooth mind-numbing kiss. Manal clung to him, kissing him back with urgency. Raza tugged her hair behind her ear and cupped her face gently. She snuck her soft palms into his shirt and felt his stubbled, hard chest. Her fingers grazing his nipples, made his skin twitch under her touch. Raza's hand held her waist tightly and the other hand slipped low, gripping her bottom. But he quickly pulled his hand away.

Manal stopped his hand and placed it back, - "Don't." She moaned against his lips.

"But--Boss--we are--"

Manal broke the kiss and looked around. "Come with me." She held his hand and whisked him away from the hustle and bustle. They came to the secluded part of the beach. The waves gushing to the shore were the only sound and moonlight was their only light. With her breath still racing, Manal looked at Raza. All her thoughts about taking revenge for Asim escaped her mind.

"Boss, this is so pleasant." He pointed to the serene ambience.

"Yes." Manal entwined her fingers with his. Raza turned his head and his gaze dropped to her heaving cleavage. After noting his eyes, she lifted his chin, forcing his stare up to her face.

Manal snaked her hand over his exposed chest and held the back of his neck. Raza drew in a breath and they leaned together. Manal closed her eyes, her lips touching his, and sparks reignited within her.

After kissing each other to their heart's content, they sat on the soft sand and watched the waves in silence. Manal shifted her head on his shoulder and looked up. He smiled with his bow-shaped lips slightly swollen. She blushed, shifting closer. Raza brought their entwined hands to his mouth and kissed the back of her palm.

"You know, Raza. The time you saved me from drowning. That day, I developed a soft corner for you and got subconsciously attracted to you."

They shared a smile and leaned closer, keeping their foreheads together.

Sometimes, things happen for good. After dinner, Raza oiled her scalp, giving him a relaxing champi, and they cuddled to sleep. But in the middle of the night, Raza opened his eyes and shifted. Assuring Manal was in a deep sleep, he slipped out of the bed. Glancing back, he picked his bag and dashed into the bathroom.

What do you guys think?

And yaay, first kiss--

Drop your comments, lots, lots, and lots, please and stay tuned for the next update. Don't forget to vote and share the book *kisses.*