Loved and Lost

I Won't Tell a Soul

*If you want me like I want you, I won't judge you. This could be our little secret, so tell me if you're ready. Because if no one knows, then it's not really cheating.

- Charlie Puth (I Won't Tell a Soul)

It was the bright morning rays of the sun seeping through the gaps of the curtained windows of Max's bedroom that woke me up. I groaned, turned away from the light, and slowly opened my eyes, my vision later adjusting to the sleeping face beside me. He pulled me closer when he felt my movement, and secured his head around the crook of my neck, his breath tickling my sensitive spot as he exhaled.

"Max, let me go," I murmured, trying to push him away. His lips formed a lazy and teasing smile when he heard my tone, and he pulled me even closer. I felt his warm moist tongue sliding against the base of my neck, and I had to bite my lower lip in order to suppress my moan. "Max, come on. I need to use the bathroom."

"No," he whispered huskily as he trailed wet kisses on my neck.

I released what seemed like a cross between an exasperated sigh and a satisfied one, and groaned again when his hand started to trace circles around my back, sending shivers down my spine. "Max, either you let me go or I'll pee on your bed."

"I don't really mind."

Another sigh. "Max, seriously."

He chuckled and bit the bottom of my ear, but finally let me go afterwards. "Get back here immediately, okay?"

I rolled my eyes and got out of the bed, kicking away our scattered clothes on the floor as I made my way towards the bathroom. I didn't bother to put on a shirt or even my silk robe; he would tear it off of me the moment that I got back anyway.

My messy state greeted me when I entered, and I spent the whole time examining my appearance on the bathroom mirror. I washed off my remaining streaks of makeup and combed my thick curly locks with my fingers. Only then did I notice the bright red mark at the base of my neck, and I couldn't help but curse under my breath; no amount of concealer would be enough to completely hide it.

"What took you so long?" Max asked when I returned. He was already fully awake, sitting on his side of the bed and facing me, his eyes following my every movement as I walked towards him.

"You gave me a hickey," I grumbled as I settled beside him. I pulled my hair up and pointed towards the base of my neck, letting him scrutinize the mark.

He rubbed his thumb against it and smirked. "It looks good on you."

"Maxwell," I muttered and let my hair fall back into place.

He pulled me close and nuzzled my neck. "What are you getting so worked up about? If you want another one or more, I would gladly oblige." He slowly looked up at me, his eyes mischievous. "Unless, you want to be the one who'll give the marks."

I rolled my eyes again. "Your wife might see it."

"So? I don't really care. It's your love mark, after all."

"You shouldn't be taking things so lightly," I groaned for the nth time, getting distracted as he planted wet kisses from my neck to my cheek. "You know that Dexter will be arriving later. What am I supposed to tell him if he notices this?"

"Just tell him the truth then. For all I know, he wouldn't be surprised with the fact that you're cheating on him with me," he countered. It's so frustrating how nonchalant he can be at a situation like this.

"He's still my fiancé."

"Does that really matter?"

"Whatever," I grumbled, pulling away from him. "I need to leave."

I got up and scavenged around the room for my clothes, tossing aside my torn pair of stockings, grateful that they weren't new. Max stood up, went behind me as I dressed, and enveloped me in a secure embrace.

"Already? We haven't even spent a full day together," he complained.

Thank God that I was able to fully zip up my dress before he hugged me. His hold rendered me unable to move. "Dexter's flight is scheduled to arrive at 1:00 PM."

His embrace all the more tightened. "It's not like it has to be you who has to pick him up from the airport."

"But I promised him that I would," I managed to say as he kissed my exposed shoulder.

"Promises are meant to be broken."

"You're being unreasonable."

"No, I'm not," he argued, turning me around to face him. I stared into his dark alluring eyes, which were full of unsuppressed hunger. "I'm just a lovesick fool who's trying to convince the woman that I love to stay with me."

His gaze lingered on my lips, and I swallowed unsettlingly. "Max, please."

He smiled, cupped my cheek, and brought down his lips towards mine. My knees started to lose their strength as his tongue explored my mouth, and he held me by the waist as I desperately clung to him for balance. I moaned as his warm hands roamed around my body, tracing each curve as though memorizing every detail.

"Just a little longer, Talia. Can't you spare me at least another hour or two?" He pleaded, voice hoarse and his hot breath tingling my right ear. "Our time together is always limited. You have to be with your fiancé, and I have to be with my wife. Can you really blame me for wanting to maximize the remaining hours that we have before we need to part again?"

I closed my eyes, feeling my chest tighten as I heard the longing in his voice. I really couldn't blame him for being like this. Fate has been far too cruel to the both of us all this time; it was already painful enough that we only have to settle with this affair, our true and utter love considered a great taboo. If we had relationships that should be considered disgraceful, it would be our arranged marriages, planned mainly for business and traditional purposes. Why do I need to settle for someone I don't love just because we were both Chinese, and why should Max be forced into matrimony with a woman only for the reason that her business will bring salvation to his family's dying company? Why does it have to be us who have to sacrifice? The two of us who fortunately, or maybe unfortunately, found the eternal love that everyone is yearning for with each other?

"No one will ever know about this, right?" I whispered and opened my eyes, returning his embrace.

He stared at me and smiled, his expression a mix of bliss and sadness. "I already promised you on that first night," he said as he kissed my forehead. "I won't tell a soul."

I nodded and expelled a sigh. "Fine, one more hour then."

He chuckled, unzipped my dress, and let it fall to my feet. "Or two?" He suggested as he caressed my bare breasts, causing me to moan.

I closed my eyes. "Or two."

THE END

A/N: Featuring "I Won't Tell a Soul" by Charlie Puth. Video used is not mine. Credits to the owner/s.