Following an exhausting week in which she was completely drained out by Lilah's taunts, Gina decided to venture out of her comfort zone, so to speak, come Saturday. Earlier that morning, Gabriel had gone out to spend the day with his friends and wasn't expected back till late evening. So, instead of getting infuriated at his freedom, she decided to make lemonade out of the lemons life threw at her by seeking out her immediate surrounding.

She had been forbidden from exploring either the study, the kitchen, the pantry, or even other rooms. The balcony was beginning to feel constricting, and her sanctuary, the library, had been tainted by unfortunate souls. Even remembering that incident made her grit her teeth hard and clench her fist.

Dressed in an Ankara inspired two piece swimwear that she concealed with a bohemian kimono and a pair of dark sunglasses for her eyes, she prodded out of the confines of her room and went exploring. It amazed her that after more than a month in this house, she hadn't taken a leisure stroll round the property. A dive into the ever still swimming pool that lay directly below her balcony view was needed. But first, she needed to order a fruit juice, similar to a Campari, to suit the mood.

A maid met her at the entrance of the kitchen, and after helping her making a jug full of the delicious liquid, followed her to the patio. The back of the house was beautifully crafted with a fourteen by six inches sized swimming pool, surrounded by a wooden deck that housed five bamboo deck chairs placed round a bamboo table, and six wooden loungers that lined the opposite side comfortably. It was obvious from the glass panelled structure that the dining room overlooked the patio. A green lawn occupied the land opposite the patio where three tall palm trees stood majestically providing maximum shade. She smiled at the scenery, being in love with the landscape and its uniformity with nature.

Making her way to the loungers, she dismissed the maid quickly, before removing her kimono. Standing to her full height, she stretched her aching limbs and performed a few warm-up exercises before taking a dive into the sparkling blue water.

The water was refreshing, and as she treaded water, applying every technique she learnt about swimming at the village stream, she welcomed the relaxed, soothing feeling she was enveloped in. As if transported to a different time period, she could hear the laughters, the splashing, the water fights, as her fifteen years old competed with boys her age to determine the best swimmer. Even with the scourge that was Asika agricultural industry, the joy they derived from that sport was unadulterated.

Feeling tired, she swam purposefully to the edge before climbing out. Making her way back to the lounger where the maid had set up an umbrella and some white towels, she smiled at the VIP treatment, before proceeding to dry up.

She knew Monica had gone out to see a friend and Lilah, she was informed, was resting in her room after going out early in the morning, and since her movement outside this prison was limited, she planned to have an afternoon of uninterrupted bliss.

Pouring herself a glass full of fruit juice -with a little drop of alcohol from her flask, or else, Dr. Wasiu would have a fit-, she added few chunks of ice before taking a generous gulp. The chilling sensation was too die for.

Sighing, she crossed her feet at the ankles and closed her eyes, enjoying the ridiculous pampering that came as part of her contract. The rich sure knew how to live right, she thought.

"I would ask what the reason for the beautiful smile on your face is," A voice she identified immediately spoke up from above her, forcing her to peer her eyes open and behold the charming smile on his face, "but I'll probably be told to mind my business."

Adjusting slightly so she could confirm it was Gabriel's annoying double, she closed her lids and shrugged nonchalantly before mumbling. "You cannot be sure until you ask. Who knows? I might just tell you to get lost."

The deep chuckle behind her told her he got the message quite clear. Still laughing, she heard him sigh as his shadow disappeared from obscuring the sun's rays penetrating past her eye lids. She deduced he was sitting on the lounger beside her.

"Well, since you'll sooner get rid of my company than enjoy it, can I ask for a drink? I'm terribly thirsty."

Feeling cocky, she smirked, "Do I look anything like the Samaritan woman to you? Get yourself a drink, and stop pestering me."

As if an electric shock was passed through her, she sat up quickly on the bed to stare in incredulity as he downed a glass of her fruit drink greedily. Her mouth hung open when he returned the glass empty on the table with a satisfied belch.

"Malcolm, you probably shouldn't have drank that. That was mine."

"Why is it yours? Because it contains alcohol? I thought that was banned for expectant mothers."

Rolling her eyes at the coy smile he was passing her way for being naughty, she huffed loudly, "not really. I mean only a little dosage sparingly. Besides, you must admit there's a sharp taste it adds to the drink."

He sighed, reaching across to fill the glass. Taking a sip, he shrugged, "you're right. It definitely tastes better with the alcohol."

She didn't know whether to reply him or not, and she wished she could tell him off, but the blasted idiot had discovered her dirty little secret, and she didn't want him hanging it over her head. She kept quiet, and returned to her former position on the lounger.

"You're really lucky."

"I don't understand?" She tilted her head to study him, her brows knitted in confusion.

"I believe you're past your first trimester, and yet your belly still looks so flat. The bump is barely noticeable, and you're still as curvy as ever," he explained with a murmur, as though he were whispering and she shivered slightly from the raw desire ladden in his voice.

Feeling conscious, her fingers found her belly, and she stroked it tenderly, amazed that the bump was becoming noticeable. Her pregnancy was really happening, she thought.

"Are you happy?"

She snapped her head to watch him suspiciously. His presence this afternoon was rubbing her off in the wrong way, and it made her skin crawl. "What are you doing here? Don't you have somewhere to be?" She fired a question instead.

He leaned backwards, obviously not expecting her to lash out. Raising a hand in surrender, he replied, "no need to get upset. I just got back from visiting a friend whose wife gave birth. She's had a set of triplets, all boys, and the birth process was hard on everyone, most especially, the new parents. Seeing them coo over their bundles of joy got me thinking how beautiful pregnancy is. How wonderful watching you go through the same experience would be." He had a dreamy look on his face that was meant to melt the coldest of hearts into sweet puddles.

She narrowed her eyes at him and scoffed harshly. "Do you expect me to believe this tall tale you sprang out of thin air?"

He winced at her sharp tone before shaking his head slightly.

"I know we have our differences," he amended with a benign smile, "but I'm all for living in harmony. I made the mistake of judging a book by its cover when I first met you, but Lilah has shown me it's not the outside, but the person on the inside that matters."

"Really?" Gina found it incredibly absurd that she was having a philosophical conversation with Malcolm about treating all humans equally. It didn't seat well with her, especially with what Lilah already knows. She had no doubt in her mind why he was here sprouting nonsense about pregnancy to her.

"What do you want?"

"I want to be your friend, Gina, not your enemy. Gabriel and I weren't on the best of terms when you came to stay with us, so I acted on impulse. But these past few weeks, I've heard only good things about you from my siblings, which means my judgement was impaired," he paused in his ramblings to stare at her with downcast eyes. "I'm sorry about how I treated you. Allow me make it up to you, Gina. Let me show you that I can be your friend, and a great uncle to my nephew or niece." He flashed her an open-mouthed smile, his eyes travelling between her belly and her face, looking marvelled at the thought.

Feeling weird, and slightly uncomfortable, she sat up on the lounger and reached for her kimono, putting it on. Now modest, his eyes stopped dancing around and rested on her face framed by her partially wet afro hair.

"Okay, I forgive you. I guess everyone deserves a second chance, and it's not in my place to prevent you from seeing your nephew or niece." That was Gabriels' decision.

She couldn't believe the words that left her lips, but apart from the cold welcome he offered her, she had no tangible reason to hate the guy. Besides, Sisi said she needed to get the males in this family on her side if they were to succeed.

"Great!" He clapped his hands and quickly stood to his feet, waiting. When she eyed his outstretched palm with confusion, he flashed her another warm smile, "well, come see what I got for you as a kick-start for our friendship."

Did rich people do that? She shook her head, and against her better judgement, stood from her lounger and followed him, allowing him to hold a palm when he insisted friends hold hands.

They made their way back into the house, with him chattering about the birth process, the worried father, the mother's scream, the birth of the triplets and the cries both parents had shared as they welcomed their newborns. He was so excited talking about it that she had been swept up into the euphoria of discussing the stress attached to raising babies.

Before she knew what was going on, they were in front of his room. When he invited her in with that lustful expression, she was quick to decline and instead, made for her room. That way she could go change into something less revealing, and then catch him in his lie.

"Wait, Gina!" He shouted just as she made her way for the corridor leading to Gabriel's room hastily.

++++++++

Dripping with hot beads of perspiration that cascaded down from his exposed neck and disappeared quickly into his T-shirt soaking up the black cotton material, Lilah watched in fascination as Gabriel made his way judiciously past the living room, barely acknowledging anyone as he went.

She didn't understand him at all. The enigma that was Gabriel Asika eluded her, but the magnetism of sexual energy that radiated off him was so undeniable, it was doubtful he did not entertain a school of female lovers each week. Malcolm claimed his older brother wasn't that interested in the opposite sex, preferring his blind ambition of becoming one of the youngest billionaire in the Nigerian corporate world. Based on Malcolm's calculation, Gabriel was three years behind this goal, and he would not be deterred again this year.

What made him tick? Lilah wet her lips, moistening them as she bid her time. After three years of denying himself sexual gratification, a man who lived and breathed work must have needed a release desperately, which would explain why Gina was hanging off his arm like a leech this minute he stepped foot inside that strip club that night. But, as she was an expert in the act of pleasuring a man into the seventh heaven, she couldn't help doubting Gina's capabilities. Besides, the girl had gone ahead to get herself pregnant, forgetting her purpose with the rich life she enjoyed, hence, leaving her man high and dry.

There was no worries there, Lilah decided, as she would soon remedy the situation. The exact moment the minute-hand struck the hour of half past four in the evening, she knew it was time to make her move. Half an hour to let off steam literally was more than enough time in her schedule.

As she made quick climb up the stairs, she made sure her steps were covered, and that each chess piece of this game plan was in place. It would all go to hell if one piece decided to act stupid today of all days. She reached the door in minutes.

She had never ventured past this particular mahogany double doors, seeing no need as to avoid trouble. Besides, Gina was not her target, yet. But now those doors separated her from her real focus, and she was determined to step over the threshold. One doorknob turn and the plan would be set in motion. Exhaling deeply, she reached up and unbuttoned the top two buttons of her button-down gown shirt before turning the knob and pushing in.

Absolute silence met her welcome, which left her in confusion. On closer inspection, and making more use of her auditory senses, she could pick out the sound of running water, and was pleasantly surprised to discover the man enjoyed his baths. Smirking, she ticked off that box on her list, wondering if the man had any flaw.

The water ceased and she knew he'd be out of the showers in a matter of seconds. Her fingers quickly went to work, and soon she was only in her sexy getup comprising a sheer black silk balconette that barely held her breasts in place, a thong of the same material and a sheer stocking. She could almost hear the whistles and catcalls men rained on her whenever she pulled such ensemble, and she hoped Gabriel would be all no-words, raw pounding with her. Heavens knew she had been patient with him.

She striked a pose, her left hand placed delicately on her waist, as she hiked up her right leg a bit, showing long, succulent thighs that promised of cloud nine wonders.

The padded footsteps stopped few metres from where she stood and she sucked in breath and waited. The tall frame had a white towel hanging low on his waist, and another one was vigorously rubbing his hair and his neck, his eyes locked on his feet as if his toes grew another pair.  Subconsciously, he rubbed his crown, alternating between his head, his neck and his ears.

Realising patience was not a virtue she could afford so generously now, she coughed, and then harrumped loudly, producing a sound that was suspiciously similar to a lion's roar before the spell was broken and his head snapped up to her face.

She knew the moment he took in her dressing.

His face tilted an inch down, his eyes narrowed significantly, his nostrils flared and his lips thinned measurably. Raising the towel up to squeeze between his fisted palms, he exhaled audibly before a chuckle rumpled out from him. Surprisingly, his thin, pink lips did not part, nor crease at the action. If not that she were studying his features closely for a telltale sign her plan had backfired, she would have doubted the sound emanated from past his lips.

"Like what you see?"

The popular, old, overused cliché line that always did the trick no matter the male, deflected on reaching his ears. If anything, the curling of his fists indicated it angered him even further.

A foreboding thought that she should desist flashed, but she whisked the thought away before it could come home to roost. Men like Mr. Grouchy were a bit hard to conquer, but easy to tame once they were in between the sheets.

"I see you turned deaf ears after I warned you from attempting this nonsense with me," he gritted out, any iota of amusement gone from his voice.

Ignoring him, she moved closer to where he stood. Keeping her gaze on him, she unclasped her bra. Holding it in place with a hand, she licked her lips before letting it fall. "I only listen to the sounds of pleasurable moans and groans uttered during the act itself."

"This tells me that you're more stupid than you let people see. Don't you know what happens to women that play with fire?"

His gaze never wandered from her face, and the determination in his eyes foretold this would backfire on her if she wasn't careful. "I can withstand whatever sort of fire you bring to the bed, Daddy. I'm into kinky stuff, too, you know."

She shivered when his voice went dangerously low, the words sounding like icicles. "What you need know is that I'm not someone you should cross. I was hoping Malcolm told you this before now."

Of course, he knew Malcolm was in on this, but she would not give him the satisfaction of admitting it. Malcolm swore to end her life if he was implicated in any of her schemes.

"Stop talking already, and show me what you got," she demanded brazenly, reaching out to trail her fingers on his bare chest. Mesmerised by the broad, chiselled body, she ran her hand down, making a mental note to not make eye contact when she leaned over to kiss his shoulder. His eyes gave her the creeps.

"You should run while you still can," he breathed into her ear, causing goosebumps to rise on her skin, and her searching fingers stilled on their path downwards towards their prize.

She understood 'leave to fight another day' was invented for moments like this, so she withdrew her hand and inched away from him.

"Gina, wait!"

The voice was faint but she undoubtedly knew what was going on outside that door. Gabriel's eyes trailed to the door, obviously making out that Malcolm and his girlfriend were in a sort of disagreement. Before he could move, Lilah turned his head to meet hers and smashed her lips to his, hoping to score with him.

Shocked, Gabriel yanked her by her hands plastered on his face and pulled her off, giving her a rough shove that found her bottom flat on the floor. Enraged, he marched over to where she lay half sitting and trembling to squat beside her. His hands grabbed her chin tightly and raised it up, so that her eyes filled with unshed tears could meet his that blazed with raw fury, and something else she couldn't identify at that moment due to blinding fear.

"Consider her presence your saving grace, or I would have shown you exactly why I hate women."

The doorknob turned, snapping him out of whatever evil persona had possessed him. He released her chin, and she whimpered in pain from the bruise she knew had already began to form.

He stood to his feet just as Gina sauntered into the room, looking furious, with a rueful Malcolm in tow. Surprised by the unknown presence, Lilah watched her take in the scene before her in one fell sweep. She sat naked on the floor wearing only a thong. Gabriel stood over her in a towel, his fists clenched beside him.

"What is happening here? Were you two sleeping together?"

Lilah rolled her eyes, wishing she could smash her shoe into Malcolm's head at this moment for acting like an idiot.

Confused, Gina eyed the two people again, and opened her mouth to inquire.

The towel slipped and fell to the floor.

~~~~~~~~~~

This scene was long overdue. Now let's move on to something more interesting.

Vote, comment and share.

Thank you 😊😅