05
THINGOLUHLE MTHETHWA
The morning sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the elegant furnishings of the Xulu mansion. Thingo rolled over in bed, stretching her arms overhead and yawning sleepily.
l pull myself out of bed, my thoughts already turning to the day ahead.
l open the curtains, letting the sunlight flood the room, and wander over to the closet, where a selection of clothes and shoes wait for my perusal.
Melusi walks into the kitchen, the warmth of the sun streaming in behind him, accentuating the ripples of his toned torso. He is wearing nothing but a pair of black gym shorts, exposing the tattoo snaking its way up his arm and the well-defined muscles of his chest.
My eyes dart up from the breakfast lm preparing, my gaze lingering on him , my cheeks flush.
Melusi ( teasing her) :Morning, sleepyhead.
Thingo ( trying to maintain her composure) : Morning yourself ....you’re brave to wander around in just those shorts.
Melusi (chuckling) :I didn’t realize it was going to be such a scandal. Should I add a tie?
l rolled my eyes, but unable to hold back a smile.
Thingo : That’s not what I meant. It’s just that it’s chilly this morning.
Melusi (winks playfully) :Ah, you’re worried about me. That’s so sweet ,b ut don’t worry, I can handle a bit of cold. Plus, I thought you might appreciate the view.
Thingo : Don’t let it get to your head.
l turn back to my breakfast preparations.
Melusi chuckles, his gaze lingering on Thingo as she bustles around the kitchen.
Melusi (chewing) : You’re quite the chef.
Thingo :Thanks, but it’s just eggs toast with sausages.
Melusi : Ngempela ... (moving closer to her) I’d say this is worthy of five stars.
His fingers brush against mine, l feel a shiver run through me. The memory of his lips against mine, the taste of him, is still vivid in my mind. l try to focus on the eggs, but the heat l can feel radiating from him is making it difficult.
Melusi :You know (his voice low and husky) I can’t help but think about last night. And the…practice we had. So (his voice low and teasing) given that we need to be convincing for our little plan, are you up for some more…practice? Right now?
My cheeks flush, my breath hitching in my throat. lm aware of the distance between us closing, of his warmth envelopingme.
Thingo (her voice trailing off) :We should probably...
Melusi: Should probably what?
l can feel myself weakening with every passing second, every touch, every heated glance from him . My heart races in my chest, and l can practically feel the pulse of it in my throat.
Thingo :We should probably focus on the plan
l manage to say , though my words came out in a breathy whisper. “Not…this.”
Melusi's lips curve into a smile.
Melusi :This is part of the plan... Isn’t it? It’s all about being convincing.
Thingo :It’s not that simple...I mean…what if your father sees?
Melusi :Then we’ll just have to be discreet
... besides, wouldn’t it be a good sign if he did see? It would just prove that we’re really in love.
l swallow, my gaze darting between his lips and his eyes.
Thingo :You…you really think that?
Melusi: Thingoluhle Lena, Ngyaz ukuthi this whole thing is risky. But I also know that you’re strong. And brave. And more than capable of pulling this off.
l bite my lip, my heart hammering in my chest. l wanted to believe him, want to believe that we can pull this off. l know its risky, but part of me wants to take the risk. With Melusi, everything feels different.
Thingo (whispering ) : Okay . So, what exactly will we be doing today as part of our…practice?
His lips brush against my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.
Melusi: Well (he murmurs, his breath hot against her skin) I think we could start with a little…hand holding.
l feel a rush of warmth spread through me, a feeling of desire
Thingo :Hand holding?
Melusi Yes, lIt’s a start ( his fingers intertwining with hers) But if you want to…take it further, we could always…
his gaze burning into hers.Her pulse quickens, her breath coming in short, shallow bursts. “Take it further…how?”
Melusi leans in closer, his lips hovering inches from hers.
Melusi (whispering) :You’ll have to trust me on this
l feel myself being pulled in, my resistance melting away like snow in the sun.
Thingo :I…I do trust you
l breath, my eyes searching his. Tf am l doing?
Melusi : Then close your eyes
He murmurs, his fingers tightening around mine , l obey my breath catching in my throat as l feel his lips brush against mine . The kids deepens into something more urgent.
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