Page 77 of Monster in Disguise

"I'm so sorry," she quickly tries to placate me, her voice gentle and soothing.

"Don't... I'm not angry because it happened. I'm mad because I don't remember it," I explain, taking a deep breath to calm myself. It's frustrating to have dreamed about this moment for so long, only for it to happen and for me to have no memory of it. "Was it good?" I ask, almost afraid of the answer.

"Yes," she nods, a small smile playing on her lips. "I think so. It was my first kiss," she confesses, and my eyes widen in surprise.

Catalina seems ashamed of this fact, so I try to comfort her by sharing a secret of my own.

"Mine too, even though I don't remember it."

"You're kidding." She turns to face me, her expression incredulous. "You mean you've never kissed anyone before? But how?" She furrows her brow in confusion.

"I've never wanted to." I shrug, but don't elaborate. It's better that she doesn't know about my troubled past, the things I did just to survive under my father's watchful eye. But even then, I drew the line at something as intimate as kissing. It had never felt right.

"Oh," she seems unsure of herself now. "We can do it again, if you want. Since you don't remember it..." Her words trail off, and for a moment I say nothing, too shocked by what she just suggested.

"If you're willing... and want to," she quickly amends, turning towards me with uncertainty in her eyes. I turn my head towards her and meet her gaze.

"I'd like to try."

Reluctantly, I release her hand and tentatively cup her cheeks. She trembles slightly under my touch, her breathing becoming harsher. My thumb lightly traces the soft curve of her lips, savoring the feel of her skin against mine. No amount of dreaming or fantasizing could have prepared me for this moment... For the rawness of her naked flesh under mine.

Despite my initial fear, there is no pain. Only a growing sense of comfort and belonging as I explore every inch of her breathtaking face.

I feel... at home.

My fingers trace over her cheek, memorizing every contour and detail of her face. "You're exquisite," I manage to say, though my throat feels thick with emotion. "So beautiful."

Lina's eyelashes flutter down at my praise, a delicate blush staining her cheeks. "I didn't think you liked me," she admits in a low voice. "You always seemed to avoid me."

"Only because I like you too much," I confess, unable to hide my feelings any longer. "To be near you and not be able to touch you..." I groan in frustration. "It's pure torture."

A shy smile plays on Lina's lips as she meets my gaze. "I like you too," she murmurs, and my heart swells with joy. The words I'd always longed to hear...

As I lean closer to her, our breaths mingle together in a warm embrace. Her eyes are wide open, and she bites her lip, sending a shiver down my spine. She may not realize it, but every move she makes sets me on fire. I hover over her lips, hesitant but unable to resist any longer.

And then I do it.

My lips gently cover hers, like the soft touch of a feather. I take in her essence, savoring the taste and feel of her. She opens her mouth eagerly, inviting me in. I can't help but pull her closer, turning our sweet kiss into one filled with urgent desire. Her hands remain stiff at her sides, a clear sign that she's trying hard not to touch me. My heart swells at her thoughtfulness.

We kiss for what feels like hours, losing ourselves in each other's embrace. And when we finally break apart, we are both left breathless and wanting more.

"Where does this leave us?" Lina asks, hope lacing her voice.

"Wherever you want." With her, I have no boundaries or limits. She's breaking down even the walls I thought were impenetrable.

"Can we take it slow? Have a proper marriage?"

"Slow... I think I can do slow," I answer honestly.

Maybe all is not lost.

Maybe there is still hope for me after all.

Catalina

We all meet together at breakfast, after which Marcello declares that he's taken the day off to spend it with me.

As we step out of the car and make our way towards the mall, I can't help but voice my doubts once again. "Are you sure it's okay for us to take the day off?"

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