Because, I can do so
949 Words
Ana struggled to regain her composure, attempting to catch her breath. Managing a petite chest with ample curves was a complicated endeavor.
Her hands instinctively moved to her lips. The three-foot-three-inch mirror, framed with a circular boundary on the satin-colored wall, reflected her flushed state.
It had been a while since her last visit to the zoo, but with her current appearance, she felt she could easily qualify as the zoo's long-lost sister.
"Rich Brat!" she muttered to herself, wiping her mouth with determined force.
Her sole consolation was that a handsome man had taken her first kiss, marking her passage into womanhood.
The following morning, Ana descended the stairs. Her house buzzed with the lively atmosphere befitting a wedding venue. However, her breath caught in her throat as she laid eyes on the man she had encountered the day before.
What added to the intrigue was the fact that everyone's eyes were on her.
'Did they find out...?' she hesitated to complete that thought.
The man was not alone this time; his parents accompanied him. They were easily recognizable, with him resembling a younger version of his father. His mother beamed, holding her husband's hand. Ana also identified the two other men she had seen while kissing the guy.
Kiss! Her wit seemed to escape her.
Biting her lower lip in nervousness, she caught Edward's eyes, who, bored with the family affairs, had found a new focus. Once again, his gaze fixated on her lips as it did before.
Damn the urge! He wanted to do the same; he swore.
Having humbly proposed marriage, Edward knew the significance of his name. To navigate through the legalities and family dramas, he took his time.
"He has come with a marriage proposal," the elder announced.
"Marriage!?" Ana repeated in shock. The word was foreign to her, and she was utterly unprepared for it.
Her shocked reaction did not go unnoticed by Edward, whose hand tightened in response.
Ashton, sensing potential trouble if Edward's mood soured, promptly stood up and with a cheerful smile, proposed a private meeting between the prospective couple.
"I believe they should both decide," he suggested, rubbing his hands together.
Ana's family, considering it the best proposal for their daughter, couldn't object. "Fine by me. Let's discuss this in the evening, at 4 o'clock," Edward declared, rising from the sofa.
The varied expressions from everyone, including Ana, hinted at confusion. A week's time was deemed fair enough for contemplation.
"That soon?" Ana's father inquired.
No one responded to the query.
Edward smirked inwardly, thinking, 'If you only knew, I want to win your daughter over right now.' In his Boston accent, he spoke in a mild tone, leaving Xavi and Ashton tensed. Edward's father, catching the underlying meaning, shot him a warning glare.
Apart from a select few, including Ana, no one understood his words, thanks to the accent.
Ana said nothing and retreated to her room.
In the evening, Ana found herself a bit behind schedule. Lost in contemplation about her future and the proposal, her family, seeing her unprepared, reminded and verbally coerced her into getting dressed. By the time she was ready, it was 4:30. She grabbed her small handbag and stashed her phone inside.
Stepping outside, a chauffeur in white uniform approached her, asking her to follow.
No, never! She thought and glanced back at her family.
Her family inquired about the man's identity and instructed her to accompany him.
Sighing, she complied. Throughout the ride, she asked only one question, "Where are we going?" to which he replied, "To the sir." She refrained from further questions.
The car halted in front of an elegant house, a two-story wooden structure with a black covering. The first floor featured wooden designs, while the second floor boasted glass walls. Several cars occupied the yard, with palm trees lining the side of the house.
'He called me to his house?' Ana muttered to herself in a low voice, audible only to her ears.
"Madame," the driver addressed her, gesturing her to follow.
He opened the door, motioning her to enter. She entered the posh area at a snail's pace.
"You are 50 minutes late," came a voice.
Edward was at the counter, sipping his drink.
Ana gathered herself, repeating in her mind, 'Act bold, do not falter, and do not show fear.'
Edward was on edge, having waited for her since four in the evening. Angry at her initial no-show, seeing her now, close and alone with him, somewhat calmed his nerves.
The same tension gripped Ana.
'Alone. With him. Why?'
"Is there nobody in the house?" she asked, maintaining a level tone, though her voice betrayed a hint of unease toward the end.
Edward poured drinks into two glasses. "You scared?" he teased.
"Red wine," he handed her the drink.
Ana accepted the glass and placed it on the counter. "Thanks, but no need."
'So, she does not drink,' he thought, taking a sip from his glass.
His eyes fixated on her collarbone, now visible as she had tucked her hair up, creating a vulnerable scenario.
Ana followed his gaze and realized where he was looking.
'Neck?!' she thought, unconsciously placing a hand over her shirt, thinking her bra strap might be showing.
Edward smiled a little, though it was not easily noticeable. "It needs my kisses," he said.
"What?" she asked, shocked.
"I said, 'it needs my kisses,'" he repeated, pointing to her collarbone.
"An...ayah," she stumbled.
The man was making her nervous to no end.
Kiss!! She remembered the hall kiss.
Gathering her courage, she asked, "Why did you kiss me earlier?"
"Because," Edward said, gulping the remaining drink, "I can do so."
- Writer
