We pull away from each other and look at each other. I think it's the first time in my life someone has given me a look like that. Filled with tenderness, affection and desire.

- What's the matter? Gabrielo asks, resting his forehead against mine. You're frowning.

- Nothing important. It's just that... I'll tell you about it when I get home. How about we just keep dancing?

- "I'll be fine, thanks. For now," he says, lifting me in his arms, " we're going home.

I get carried to the car where the driver is already waiting for. The car starts and an awkward silence reigns in the cabin. I feel Gabrielo's burning gaze on my skin, but I don't dare turn my head to look at him. We arrive in front of the building and Gabrielo gets out and opens the door for me.

He carries me back in and heads for the lift. All eyes in the hall turn to us. I hear some whispers that make me hide my flushed face in Gabrielo's neck. The lift opens and we arrive in the flat.

- Now can you tell me what's wrong? Gabrielo asks as he puts me down on the sofa.

- Is that why we left like that? And Meavy? I didn't even say goodbye.

- Stop thinking about Meavy," retorts Gabrielo. She saw us leave and she waved at me while she was dancing. Come to the point.

- I was afraid.

- Of what?

- Of sleeping with you," I admitted with my head down. I couldn't shake the idea that maybe if we were sober you'd change your mind. Or that you'd leave afterwards, or then-

Gabrielo cuts me off with a hug. He kisses my head. I close my eyes and he holds my face with both hands as if I'm going to fly away. He reaches my lips and moves them in unison against mine. They are so soft, soon I feel his tongue against my lips. I open my mouth to catch my breath and he takes the opportunity to slip his tongue in.

He changes my position and lays me on the huge sofa. His hands go down behind my back, grabbing my thigh to pull me closer to him. I feel his body against mine, unable to part from him.

Air.

I need air.

Fast !

Gabrielo seems to get the message and pulls away from me. I catch my breath, totally out of breath. Meanwhile, he moves towards my neck where he places kisses without pausing. I feel him tugging at my skin discreetly.

- Let me tell you something," he said, lifting his head to look me in the eye. You're the only person I've ever been attracted to in my entire life. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get you out of my head.

- Really?

- I looked for you for so long I thought it was all over," he laughs. I'm glad I met you again.I hug him at the loss of words.

- What do you like so much? I want to know.

- I love your dark eyes, he says, placing a kiss on every part of my body he mentions. Your face, your belly, your stretch marks that tend to make you complex. Not to mention your repartee, your lovely smile and the way you make me feel at ease around you. I love you as you are. With your qualities and your imperfections. So let me show you.

- Gabrielo. ... I say, catching my breath. Can we go to the bedroom ?

__________

My alarm clock chimes on the bedside table and I put my hand down to stop it. I just need five more minutes, for God's sake. I feel like there is a weight in my brain. I look for Gabrielo on the bed, but my hand meets only the cold sheets instead.

Where has he gone? I open my eyes, still foggy from sleep, and start looking around the room. The bathroom door opens to find Gabrielo dripping with water, a towel around his waist. I can see a drop of water running down his chest and getting lower and lower.

- Enjoying the view?

- Yes, very much. I married you, enjoying the view is the least I can do," I say as I stand up to reach him.

Ow! This was a bad idea. I'm still sore from the night before and my legs are giving out on me. I grimace as I bend in half. Gabrielo grabs me as and helps me sit up again.

- Easy, there. I think you'd better rest for today.

- No, no, no, no. I'll be fine. I'll go to work. I've got some important appointments scheduled.

- Alma," he growls, "the most important thing is you, so rest. You obviously need to rest today.

- I'll rest at noon. I will. I really have to go. I've got to go to some ceremonies to see if there's anything wrong with the wedding gowns. I'd hate it if there was a problem because I didn't show up.

- All right, fine. We'll have lunch together. You'll take your two-hour break like everyone else.

I nod quickly before being carried to the bath. Half an hour later I'm ready to go to work. Gabrielo takes me to the office with him so I can rest. I kiss him as I get out of the car before hurrying to meet Jayna. Everything is going to be fine even if he doesn't believe me.

The meetings with the bride and groom went smoothly this morning. All I have to do now is finish the afternoon's meetings and everything will be over. It's lunchtime and my secretary Jayna asks me to join the others, so I have to decline her offer.

- I have already promised to have lunch with someone else. I'll come next time and invite you, okay?

- No problem, don't forget your promise. See you later," she exclaims, waving at me.

Now I have to go and see Gabrielo. I head for the lift in the middle of the corridor before going to the top floor. I'm still so sore that every move is torture. The secretary on the floor stares at me before calling out to me.

- You're not allowed in without an appointment.

- But I-

- Your name? she asks sternly.

- Alma Pearson," I answered impatiently, pulling out my phone.

I text Gabrielo to tell him I've arrived. He leaves on see without answering. Sorry? A man in a suit gets out of the lift and asks me to follow him. We walk through countless corridors before arriving in a huge office.

- The president is in a meeting at the moment, he will arrive any moment. He asks you to wait here for the moment.

The man leaves the room and a few minutes later my dear husband enters the room. He walks over to me and kisses me as usual. I remain static and he frowns.

- What's the matter?

- You could have told the secretary I was coming. She's been looking at me sideways since I arrived.

- I'll tell her," he smiles, "or I'll fire her instead. She need to be more respectful with people. We'll eat wherever you want to make it up.

- Really? To the Melt Shop!

We quickly arrive at the fast-food and our orders arrive. I eat quietly when Gabrielo catches my attention.

- Don't tell me you've never eaten in a fast-food before ?

- No, I've eaten there before. It's just that it's been so long that I feel like I've forgotten how.

I grab a fry from his tray and point it at his mouth.

- Say 'Ahhh'.

Gabrielo is reluctant but finally opens his mouth and starts eating.

- Alma?

- Yes?

- Let's go on our honeymoon.

__________