Chapter 79 - Create Pleasant Memories

Since my letter is gladly accepted by Ignis, he signs it and moves to the next one.

Why? Don't my words have any weight to him?

I lean towards him and press my hand on his arm. Then, I move it up to his shoulders and caress it with my finger.

«You know... All this talking about fornication reminded me of something...»

I also lean my head on his shoulder and wait for his reaction. It's not that late to come, judging from his trousers. The fabric in the area of his crotch tented up in a moment.

I'm experienced enough to know this means that whatever I am doing is working.

«Veronica, you will kill me one day,» he sighs.

Oh, maybe it's because I promised and backed away last time. I heard stories about how men suffer a lot when they're teased but not gratified. But I didn't give them too much weight.

In the end, it's more frustration than anything else, right?

Yet, it seems that waiting has made Ignis more eager. It will be easier to drag him in bed like this.

«I won't kill you, Ignis. If that was my goal, you wouldn't be here, breathing.»

I slip down from the chair and pull him towards the bed.

«Come here, now. Your wife needs you. You're not going to ignore me during our honeymoon, are you? It would make you even crueller, you know that, right?»

Once in front of the big bed, I push him until he sits.

Then, I observe him while pondering. I would be too far from him if I sat on the spot next to Ignis. I don't want that.

At the same time, is there a place nearest to that one?

In the end, I lift my nightgown over the knees and sit on his lap, straddling him. This does feel closer.

I lift his chin and kiss his lips. It's a light peck only because Ignis doesn't reply as readily as I expected.

Is this an effect of what I did before? Oh, goodness... I'm a fool.

«Say it,» I murmur.

«Say what?»

«Whatever is going on in your mind.»

«Is this the way you will punish me for how I hurt you?» he asks. «Are you going to drive me insane?»

«No, that's not my purpose.»

«If your purpose is to transform me into your marionette, there's no need to sweat this much. I'll do what you ask me because I'm not sure if I can say no to you.»

«Wait, is this a pick-up line? Are you trying to seduce me?» I giggle.

«By the way, I have no interest in a puppet. Nor do I want to punish you. This was supposed to be a reward if anything. Oh, not even a reward...»

The truth is that I selfishly am in search of intimacy. Because I want to. There's no other reason, unfortunately.

Oh, there's one: make Ignis feel pleasure as well. I'm not as selfish as last time, right? I'm improving.

«You will leave tomorrow,» I try, looking for the simplest way to explain myself. «We won't see each other for long. I think this is the bare minimum of duty you should uphold, Ignis. And, also, I want you to remember something pleasant. Not how I slapped you.»

Then insulted.

Then left hanging.

«It won't be an unpleasant memory, Veronica. You don't need to worry about such a thing,» he chuckles.

Yet, his arms circle my waist. This feels even closer than just sitting like a jockey.

«I have so much to remember other than that single, deserved slap.»

«At least you know it's deserved.»

«Of course, I'm not a fool. I know how I made you feel... Oh, well, I can try imagining it. And I'm sorry. So sorry that I'm ready to promise you anything. I'll grant any wish for you.»

«No.»

«What?» he moans, surprised and utterly disappointed.

Does he really think it's this easy?

«You can't buy my forgiveness. If you want to atone, then don't commit such a thing anymore. Do not lie to me for your purposes. I know you have to keep secrets, and I'm not expecting you to tell me everything I ask. Just... don't manipulate me anymore. Tell me it's not my business if I ask some difficult question, but don't make me believe something just because it's useful to you.»

«I'm usually not like this,» he murmurs, looking down.

It would even look sad if he wasn't staring straight at my bosom. The nightgown has a round cleavage. Since he's taller than me, he can glance at the skin under the gown.

«Don't do it again,» I repeat. «I will take revenge if I'm tricked again. Remember it. And you won't like that kind of revenge, trust me.»

I wouldn't bother to slap him if it happened a second time. I would just turn on my feet and leave.

«Enough talking about boring or disappointing things!» I exclaim.

Bowing down, I let my lips touch his. This time, Ignis returns the kiss, and our tongues dance together as if they've met after years of yearning.

Our hands undress each other, our fingers trembling in need. Then, naked or almost, we move to the centre of the bed. We return to kiss, annoyed by this interruption to take off the clothes.

Swift like his usual, Ignis reverses our position. He presses me under his body, yet his weight isn't all on me. He's sustaining himself on the arms.

«Aren't you going to complain?» he inquires while rubbing his lips on my neck.

«For what?»

«You can't escape that easily like this. I thought you would insist on staying on top.»

«Oh, Ignis... I'm not leaving yet. Not until finishing something I left at half yesterday. You don't need to trap me just to make sure I stay...»

I have no hurry to get out of here. I just need to go back before dawn, not to alert the rest of the people.

I don't want a scandal about depravity and mindless fornication to break out tomorrow.