Page 3 of The Marriage Agreement (Agreement)

“Who did this to you?” My voice was harsher than I intended.

She jerked her arm out of mine. “I’m a nurse. A patient pushed me, I fell, and got a cut. An unfortunate case of occupational hazard,” she snapped. I was right about her costume effort being just the mask.

“Does it still hurt?” I asked in a calm, controlled voice. I wasn’t sure why the thought of anyone hurting her upset me that much.

“Yes, a bit, but not as bad as when it happened.” I nodded, accepting her explanation.

“Should I find the guy and punch him for you?” I said to lighten the mood. She laughed, and the sound of her subtle laughter pleased me.

“I’m sure you’ll be charged with assaulting a minor. My patient was a fourteen-year-old mini giant boy. He was profoundly sorry.”

“A mini giant, uh.” I chuckled. I couldn’t have envisioned her patient as an underage boy. I had some crazy older man visualized in my head.

“Yeah, I call him a giant baby because he’s 6ft 4 inches tall, also bulky, which he doesn’t like.”

“Well, I hope he stays sorry.”

“I’m sure he will. He’s a sweet boy when he’s not having an episode.” I moved closer, and her aura engulfed me with a deep urge to kiss her. Despite my attempt to retreat, the persistent urge consumed me. Like a ferocious beast, it demanded to be satisfied.

I took a step away from her, fighting within me not to do what my whole being was yearning for. In the silent yet loud moment,a gentle breeze blew our way, contrasting the fiery warmth of my desire for her. My heart was pulsating with every beat.

Succumbing to my inner beast, unable to resist the urge any longer, I swiftly pulled her into my arms, capturing her mouth in a kiss that released the full force of my burning desire. Instead of a slap for my unusual behavior, our tongues danced in perfect synchrony, a passionate exchange that ignited more desire in me. As I guided her to the sliding door, her back against it, the taste of her fueled the fire within me as our bodies melded together in a passionate embrace. She moaned softly, sending waves of pleasure through me. The softness of her lips and taste of her had me enthralled.

My phone rang, it was my mom’s ringtone, disrupting our moments of intense desire. She pushed against my chest, breaking our kiss with a startled look in her eyes. Did she know the effect she had on me? My phone stopped ringing; I gazed at her as I gently lifted her mask to reveal her face.

Her features were even more stunning without the mask. I focused, committing her details to memory. The light made her brown eyes appear lighter, but it didn’t diminish the fact they captivated me. Her lips, full and inviting, beckoned for another kiss. Taking in every detail, I was mesmerized by her natural beauty. I was certain she couldn’t see my eyes—my mask was on, and with my back to the light and my height, I was blocking more of it.

Her small nose sat in perfect harmony with her full cheekbones and those lips. She was a beauty to behold. I wanted to know everything about her. Before I could utter a word, my phone rang again. I reached for it to answer the call. The moment I did, she quickly put the mask back on, shoved me away, and fled.

Frustration bubbled inside me as I let out a sigh and answered the call.

“Hello?”

“Are you with your brother at the Halloween party?” Of course, mom at her best, hovering.

“Yes,” I answered in a controlled tone. My mom sure knew how to call at the most inopportune times.

“Okay, just wanted to check. You two have fun. Bye.” She hung up.Fuck, mom! You just ruined a perfect and beautiful moment.I let out a grunt.

I rushed back into the party. The bee and honey jar were replaced by Superman and Cleopatra making out on the sofa. I had just kissed a woman with no idea of her name, yet everything about her felt right. The party was still going on, and I searched everywhere for her, but she was nowhere to be found. I looked for Osei but couldn't find him either.

That kiss had my mind reeling. I needed to find my mystery woman. I moved through the crowd, which seemed to have doubled since I stepped out onto the balcony with her.

Finally, I found Derek, one of Osei’s mischievous friends. Don’t ask how I knew it was him in a clown costume, but I did.

“Hey, have you seen Osei?”

“Yeah, he just walked his girl out. She said she had to leave.” I was taken aback. My brother and I talked about everything. I didn’t know he hada girl.

“Osei has a girl?” My tone questioned it.

“Yeah, his favorite girl.” He made air quotes with his clown hands, making faces that looked awful with his clown-painted face. “You probably saw her: black girl in blue scrubs and half-mask.”

“Maybe,” I lied. Shock spread through me at the realization that I had just kissed my younger brother’s girlfriend. A rant of vulgar words flowed through my head as I awaited the remorseful feeling of kissing Osei’s girl, but I didn’t feel remorse.Neither was the desire for her suppressed. I still wanted her, despite this newfound information.

“Osei should be back in a few. He just wanted to make sure she got to her car safe. He’s very protective of her,” Derek interrupted my thoughts. I nodded. Turns out I was protective of her, too.

I returned to the second bedroom, closed the door, and headed to the balcony. The view was still good, but no longer held any excitement for me. The music grew louder. I fixed my gaze upon the dark skies. An indescribable sensation took hold of me.I shouldn’t want her, I told myself.She’s Osei’s girl,I reminded myself, but I couldn’t shake her. It was like I had taken a bite of a delicious and juicy forbidden apple, and I couldn’t ever untaste her sweet flavor. I felt her before I saw her, then tasted her, and I knew with the feeling I was having, letting go wasn’t an option either.

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