Vesper perched on a stool at the sleek bar counter, the dim light casting a shadow over his brooding figure. With a half-empty bottle in hand, he took another long sip, loving how the liquid ignited a simmering warmth within him. Although, he wasn't drunk, his once bright orbs now held a reddish tinge. And the lines of his face etched deeper, tracing a map of untold stories and hidden pain. That was all he could do at the moment - drink and drink. The bar had become his sanctuary. "Always drinking alone, huh?" He suddenly heard a strange voice and cocked his head to see a lady taking the seat beside him. She was a young pretty lady with the prettiest smile he's seen in a while. But she didn't look familiar in any way. It was Kalina. She's been following him for some days now and decided to show herself to him that evening."Always?" Vesper arched his brows. "How do you know it's always?" She chuckled. "Well, I've seen you a couple of times at this bar. Let's just say... you've been the one not seeing me." Vesper sighed and reached for his drink, taking a large gulp. Kalina clicked her fingers toward the bartender and placed an order for a drink. "So, why's a gentleman like you always drinking alone, huh? Are you trying to drown your pains?" She asked teasingly, and Vesper shut a glare. "I'd appreciate it if you don't talk about me. Just focus on getting your drink and leave." He answered rudely. This hurt Kalina's pride a little, but she waved it aside. She had expected it, anyway. A while later, the bartender served her drink and she took a swig before turning to Vesper. "You know, a few months ago, I used to come here to come drink down my sorrows as well. It can be excruciating, you know?" She laughed. "But it's amazing how your pains tend to lessen when you get drunk." Vesper said nothing, didn't even spare her a glance. "I don't know why I like you," she placed a hand on her chin. "I could make your pains go away, you know? At least for the night - if you'd let me." That was the moment Vesper looked at her. She smiled at him, her smile so fúcking charming and tempting. Still looking at her, he took a swig from his bottle and trailed his eyes down to her cleavages. Perhaps, it wouldn't be such a bad idea to get laid. ****†****†****† Nikolai was on a phone call when he stepped out of the car - a call with his mum. "I understand the fact that his health is critical, but I'm not comfortable with the arrangement," he stated icily on the phone as he made his way into the house, while his security followed up with his suitcase."I know how much you hate being with a lot of people, Nik, but this is your grandfather's last wish. All he wants is to spend his final moments with his family. That is not too much to ask," Mrs. Bellamy grumbled in response. She couldn't understand why Nikolai was dragging the whole issue. His grandfather, her father-in-law was at the peak of death and desires to spend his last moment with the entire family. For that, he wanted them all to gather in the family mansion and live with him for the remaining days he had left on earth. That would bring the entire family together. But Nikolai, being a hater of crowd, was kicking against the idea. "Please son, you need to try your best. Please," she added desperately. Nikolai said nothing as he got into the house and paused when he found a rare disturbing sight. He found Adira at the bar counter, seemingly drunk. A frown marred his face, recalling that he's never seen her drunk since they got married. She could take a few drinks, yes, but not so much that would get her drunk.He was happy when he heard she had been discharged and was home, but that was definitely not the sight he had been expecting to see. What was wrong with her? "Nikolai? Nik?" His mum called repeatedly on the phone, but he said nothing and dropped the call. Adira was backing him and probably had no idea he was in. Even if she did, she didn't make any attempt to look at him. He walked away and ascended the stairs. *** Getting to his room, he took a shower, changed into something casual, and went downstairs to find Adira still at the counter. This time around, her head was laid down on the table, but he could tell she was not completely asleep. He strolled towards her, taking the stool that was next to her and sitting in a way that he faced her. Noticing his presence, Adira lifted her head at him. Nikolai was stunned at how heavy and red her eyes had become. She was damn soaked!"It's you," she said drowsily, seeming like she was fighting to keep her eyes open. "You're home." She returned her head to the table, this time around, in a hard way that Nikolai felt she might have hurt herself. "What is wrong with you?" He asked, not knowing if he was reprimanding her or being concerned. With her head still bowed, he heard her chuckle. "I feel very happy," she mumbled. "Drinking always makes me happy." She lifted her head at him again, a silly smile on her face. "Remember the first day we met? At the bar? I was very happy too. But when you came, you made me happier." She took up her bottle and chugged more drink down her throat. When the bottle left her lips, her unstable hands made the drink spill on her shirt. "Oops!" She laughed, looking at the stained shirt. "I am so clumsy, right?"She chuckled and drank more. Nikolai's expression had changed. "That wasn't the first day we met," he uttered calmly, making her shoot her confusing stares at him. "You don't remember...do you?" "Huh?" She grinned. "What're you talking about? Are you...are you drunk?" She picked up her bottle and whispered to herself: "he's drunk, he's drunk." A mirthful laughter followed. Why did she look so beautiful in that state? - Nikolai thought. Her hair was a tangled mess, but it suited her so well in a way he liked. She tried taking another gulp from her bottle, but he snatched the bottle from her. "Hey! What're you doing?!" She pouted her lips. "Give it back. Give it back." She tried reaching for it, but Nikolai made sure his hand was far away so it was impossible. Then, she tried standing to her feet but ended up falling back to her chair. Her vision was a mess. "Give it back... please," she belched. "My life is already sad enough. Don't add to it." "What happened?" Nikolai questioned, still holding the drink up. "If you tell me, I'll let you have it." Adira chuckled and dropped her head to the table again. "Why would you want to know? Pathetic... dumb story. I'm empty, abandoned. My own mother..." Nikolai couldn't comprehend what she was saying. He returned the bottle to the table and she lifted her face from the table. "It's back!" She giggled. "He brought it back." Nikolai watched as she took more gulps and acted childish. Why did he find it so attractive? "Adira," he called suddenly, his voice like a bitter cup of coffee laced with a touch of honey. "Was there ever a time you had almost drowned?""Drowned?" Adira gave him a fascinating look. "Of course. I was very very little," she made a pinch sign with her fingers. "Very little. I fell into the pool and didn't know how to swim!" She giggled softly and reached for her drink. It took a while before Nikolai asked. "Do you remember what happened? Who saved you?" "Lancelot, of course!" She answered quickly. "He was such a sweet boy back then. He saved me." A storm brewed within Nikolai's countenance, painting his face with shades of fiery indignation and melancholic sorrow. That hurt him - deeply. "He didn't save you," he gritted. "You only found him beside you when you were awake." Adira had returned her head to the table, but Nikolai was already upset. How could she forget him? He was there; she had seen him. But she was too interested in Lancelot and paid no attention to him. Even when he had spoken to her...Angrily, he stood up to leave but suddenly paused when he thought of her. She might have upset him, but he couldn't let her sleep off at the counter. She might end up falling and hurting herself. Grudgingly, he extended his hands and pulled her into his arms, his touch a hesitant embrace as he gathered her fragile form. Her hair cascaded over her face while she nestled comfortably in his hold, her eyes hidden behind closed lids. Why the hell does she look so attractive in her drunken state? Gently, he ascended the stairs, her weight feeling so light against his chest. Maybe, he was just stronger. He got into her room and laid her carefully on the bed, his hands staying a little longer on her waist. She seemed to be asleep. He tried leaving the bed, but her hand suddenly gripped his, pulling him back. With surprise, he looked into her face and found her heavy eyes awake. "You're so beautiful," her lips stretched in a clumsy smile as she lifted her hand to his cheek. This rankled him. He flinched and tried pulling away, but she threw her hands around his neck and pulled him into an embrace, making him fall on her chest. "Stay with me, please," for the first time, he heard fear in her voice. "My mum already left me. Don't do same." Badly, Nikolai wanted to pull away; her touch around him was rubbing him the wrong way, but her words held him still. 'Her mother left him?' he pondered. He thought her mother was dead? He forced himself to remain calm, his lips brushing against her neck due to the way she held him. After a moment, he slowly lifted his face to meet hers. Her eyes were engaged in a graceful dance, fluttering to close. But her lips... Like ripe cherries, they beckoned on him, delicately parted as if inviting him to explore their sweetness. They screamed his name, begged for the wetness of his tongue. And in that fleeting moment, his mind ventured into a realm of alluring possibilities. He wanted to know what she tasted like, felt like. 'Just this once,' he said to himself. 'She's drunk and will probably forget it all by morning.' Having the conviction, he crashed his lips on hers, taking her slowly. Consciousness must have seeped into her as she made it easy for him, giving him access to the fantasies of her lips. Although, her breath reeked of alcohol, it wasn't strong enough to cloak the cherry smell she had in the corners of her mouth. It felt so nice, so good. He reached for her tongue and gave it a little suckle, as well as a tiny bite in the end. And when she moaned at that moment, into his lips, he felt the organ in between his legs jerk. It craved for more, wanted its own share. And heavens know he wanted more himself. Damn it; he wanted to rip those clothes apart and take her raw and hard. He wanted to take her deep while watching the expression on her face and hearing the soft moans as she writhes. He bet she'd look good in bed. He broke the kiss, his breath a little rough. Her eyes were slightly open, and he could swear they were beckoning on him to do more. He looked at her lower lip and saw how wet and plump it was. It needed more. And more he gave. He kissed her again, sucking her lips softly until she did same. Her tongue welcomed his again, and this time around, she did the same by hungrily sucking on his. She tasted so good, he didn't want it to end. Again, he cut it off and rose to his feet, realizing he might take something else from her if he continued. He watched her moan on the bed - moans that turned into soft whimpers. He had definitely triggered her. "Nikolai..." she called weakly. Her lids went closed again, but her face was etched with a desire for more. Nikolai brushed his fingers into his hair, trying so hard to speak to his consciousness.Turning around, he exited the room.