Vengeance

CHAPTER 10

Mikhail's next day was nothing short of a new beginning filled with new wholesome hope and desire. He was dead set on winning the bet, which had its perks because it meant he'd get to spend more time with Tabitha, a definite advantage.

Though a small part of him still ached for concealing the truth from her, it was necessary. To ease his mind and show her how much he appreciated her, he decided to surprise Tabitha with lunch at her school. It was a simple gesture, but when he saw the delighted sparkle in her eyes, it made everything worth it. That light in her gaze was all he needed to know he was doing something right, even if it felt complicated on the inside.

"Mikhail, I am so glad to see you here." Her smile was wide and genuine, a radiant beam that made his heart feel lighter.

"Not more than me." He pressed a gentle kiss to her lips, savoring the moment before pulling away.

He wouldn't mind cornering her and kissing her passionately, but he was aware of the children who don't need their minds poisoned at such a young age.

"So, what brings you here?" She asked, her tone light and curious, as she led him to her cubicle in the staff room.

"I thought to surprise you with lunch and an added vacation," Mikhail said, his words straightforward as always.

He knew his bluntness sometimes threw people off, but that was just how he communicated. There was no other way he knew to express his feelings or make a point.

"Vacation?" Tabitha's pupils dilated. Taking a vacation with him is a massive leap in their relationship.

“Yes,” he replied, his voice softening with sincerity. “I know it might feel soon, but I really want to spend time with you. I want to have you all to myself for a couple of days.”

"Four years together, and you're asking me to go on vacation with you for the first time isn't exactly soon," Tabitha said, her tone steady and without bitterness. She merely stated factual information.

"I like to believe that we were in a relationship since the day before we consummated our relationship for the first time. For me, that was the day I truly met you." Mikhail said, which was not a lie.

Tabitha smiled, her heart warming at his admission. “Mikhail, I would love to go on a trip with you. Where do you want to take me?” She asked, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Do you have any place in mind?" He asked her, wanting to give her the freedom to choose. The question made her heart swell with happiness, for it wasn’t just a trip, this moment made her feel significant in his life. Her thoughts, her opinions, they mattered. She mattered.

“I don’t have anywhere specific in mind,” Tabitha admitted with a soft laugh.

Mikhail’s eyes shone as he offered a suggestion. “In that case, there’s a small town, Vineyard, a few hours away. I own a cabin there. We could spend a few days together, just the two of us, away from everything. Get to know one another better.”

Tabitha’s smile widened, her excitement palpable. “That sounds perfect.”

"So, when can you take leave, and, accordingly, we can plan our own adventure?" Mikhail asked. Just because he was his own boss doesn’t mean Tabitha had the luxury of taking leave as per her choice. He knew he could easily make it happen for her, but he also knew she wouldn't like it. She is an independent individual who has the right to handle situations in her manner.

"Lucky for us, I have a few pending leaves. Plus, I'm not overworked right now, so I could request a few days off this coming week." Tabitha said, her nerves dissipating the moment Mikhail pulled her into a quick hug.

"Perfect."

Each passing day felt like a dream for both of them, their desire to be together growing stronger with every moment. To make the most of their time, they set off the very evening Tabitha’s leave was granted. The drive was light-hearted and filled with laughter. However, as they arrived at the cabin after a quiet supper in the quaint town, the carefree atmosphere shifted, and a deeper, more urgent need to be close to each other settled in.

The moment they set down their bags and Mikhail showed her to their room, Tabitha kissed him. It caught him off guard, as it was usually him who took the first step, but this time, she initiated it. He savored every second of it, especially when she started unbuttoning his shirt.

“Not that I’m not loving this side of you," he murmured between kisses, "but where’s this bold Tabby coming from?”

"From the same place where you gave this Tabitha the confidence to act on her wishes," she replied, her lips brushing his cheek. "You make me want to be a better woman for you. I don’t feel obligated to do anything for you anymore because I know you’ll always appreciate it."

"Always, Tabby," he whispered, his hand gently drawing her face towards his. "But the place where all your actions touch me is my heart." And with that, he tenderly pressed his lips to hers.

He gazed into her eyes, and at that moment, they both knew they wanted the same thing. Gently, he unbuttoned her shirt, their world narrowing to nothing but each other.

Later, with Tabitha nestled comfortably in his arms, they lay together, savoring the peaceful quiet. They were both exhausted, yet neither wanted to sleep. But as time passed, the pull of rest was inevitable, and they drifted off in each other’s embrace.

The days that followed were filled with bliss, each moment an opportunity to discover more about one another. From their likes and dislikes to their favorite movies and even their least favorite cartoon characters, there was no end to the small, meaningful details they shared. They reveled in the simple joy of being with each other, feeling more connected than ever.

They spent their days sharing ice cream and stealing kisses while watching movies, strolling through the park, and enjoying the warmth of each other’s company. One afternoon, Mikhail suggested they go to a gun range. Tabitha was hesitant, having never tried it before, but he saw it as a chance to get even closer to her.

Despite her initial uncertainty, she didn’t judge him on his love for shooting. When he offered to teach her how to handle a gun, she eagerly accepted, trusting him completely.

As he guided her, his arms enveloped her, positioning her in just the right way to take the shot. After several attempts, she finally hit the target, and the joy on his face was palpable. His eyes shone with pride, and without a second thought, she kissed him, her happiness overflowing as she wrapped her arms around him tightly.

Tabitha had never been in a relationship like this before, certainly not with Anatoly, Mikhail’s previous form. On the other hand, Mikhail had never made an emotional investment in anyone before. His past relationships had always been physical, with no room for emotions. But Tabitha was different. She was a wellspring of emotions he never knew he could have.

Every moment he spent with her had been one of the best of his life. He couldn't say for certain if she loved him yet, but with each passing minute, his love for her only deepened. It was a quiet, consuming force that he couldn’t escape, and as he watched her laugh, listened to her speak, and felt her touch, he realized just how much she had become a part of him.