The night had fallen as Aselia waited for Xiran’s return. Although the house was underground and Aselia couldn’t see the setting sun, the time on the cell phone in her hand kept ticking away.

She had sent him a text but he hadn’t responded to her, which meant he was extremely busy. She didn’t call him, not wanting to disturb him but she worried about him.

Aselia grabbed a book from the bookshelf and went outside the house near the pool. She took off her shoes and rolled up her pants. Dipping her feet in the hot water of the pool she sat down on its edge and tried to read the book in her hand, but her mind was elsewhere.

Her feet swiftly swayed in the clear water as she mindlessly wrapped her fingers with the chain of her pendant and brought it to her lips, brushing the surface of the green gem.

Then she heard the sound of a car approaching and quickly scrambled to her feet. Rivan’s car came into view and Aselia felt a tinge of disappointment fall over her. The chauffeur got out and opened the back door of the car and Aselia’s face lit up like the morning sun.

It was tired-looking Xiran who stepped out, Aselia didn’t waste any second and rushed to his side. Xiran seeing her approach on hurried steps opened his arms and she landed right in them, all his weariness disappeared as she hugged him and whispered:

"You are back, I was waiting for you."

He kissed her head and murmured: "I was missing you too much."

Meanwhile, Melori stepped outside the villa and made her way to the embracing couple. She stopped a few feet from them and waited for them to give her their attention.

"Yes, Melori," Aselia asked turning to her.

"I have served the dinner, my lady. Señor Rivan has asked me to return. Is there anything you need before I go?" She asked politely.

"Yes, I have brought some ice cream, put it in the freezer and then you are free to go," Xiran instructed pointing to the car. Melori did as she was told and then left with Rivan’s chauffeur, leaving the loving couple alone.

"I was a bit disappointed when I saw Rivan’s car," Aselia confessed as Xiran led her inside.

"You thought it wasn’t me? I had to use Rivan’s car, we think that there is more of the enemy spread throughout the city. I had to take precautions," Xiran explained and Aselia nodded.

They entered the living room where the dining table has been set for them. They washed their hands and settled down to have dinner together. Melori had prepared paella, smoked lamb ribs and broth.

The meal appeared scrumptious and they ate it with zeal. Xiran seemed hungry as he ate more than usual and kept feeding Aselia too. He filled her up with all the details of the investigation. The boy they had captured yesterday was still being interrogated by the police.

After dinner, they cleared the table and washed up the dishes. Xiran then brought out the ice cream. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

"Sorry, I had planned to take you out but it’s not safe. Anyone can be lurking in the shadows and I can’t risk it," Xiran informed her with a heavy heart while handing her the ice cream cup. It was her favourite Rocky Road flavour.

"Don’t worry, Xiran. One day we will be free enough to eat ice cream in open without fearing anyone," she smiled and offered him a big chunk of ice cream. He nodded and gladly took it from her.

"Which flavour do you like in ice cream?" Aselia inquired while scooping some in her mouth.

"Flavour of your lips," he replied with a seductive smile creeping on his face.

"Xirannn," she shoved him playfully. "Be serious."

"I eat almost all the flavours except vanilla. I don’t like plain vanilla flavour," he answered putting a spoonful in his mouth.

"Yes, I am not a fan either. Still ice cream is ice cream no matter what the form or flavour," she winked at him and he smiled in approval.

After finishing the ice cream, Aselia observed how tired he looked and said: "You should sleep, you are tired."

"Soon. First, I want to spend time with you," Xiran took her hand in his and kissed it lightly, her cold skin felt good against his warm lips.

"Let’s go out and sit by the pool," Aselia offered and they came outside. Xiran settled himself on the lounger and Aselia was about to lie down on the other one but he pulled her by the wrist and let her drop on top of him.

"Ahh, Xiran," she squealed at his sudden action and he laughed. He never warn her before pulling something like that and always enjoyed her reactions.

"I want you close, why were you trying to put distance between us? Hmm?" Xiran raised his eyebrows at her as she rested her chin on his chest and peeked at him while he wrapped his arms around her waist.

"I wasn’t, it’s two feet away," Aselia pointed to the other lounger.

"I don’t even want an inch between us," he moved forth his head and kissed the tip of her cold nose, his hand slipped under her hoodie and began to caress her back, Aselia shivered with the sensation his touch caused her.

They lay there for some time, revelling in the peace when Xiran finally spoke: "I know it’s late but let’s hit the pool, I want a swim. It helps me relax. You know how to swim?"

"I do," Aselia answered staring into those granite eyes of his which were swimming in warmth.

Xiran sat up straight, taking her along with him. "Raise your arms," he instructed and Aselia obeyed. He held the hem of her hoodie, pulled it up, and removed it in one swift go.

He then unbuttoned her pants and she got up to remove them as well, leaving her in a red bikini and matching panties. His eyes drank up her beautiful body and he could see the scars that have been left on it. He touched the one on her ribs and asked in an agonized tone:

"Does it hurt?"