Page 40 of Game of Revenge

Dolores gave me a perplexed look.

“He just showered, and he is now getting dressed in his closet,” I explained, trying to sound casual and not as flustered as I was.

Dolores gave me an awkward look. When I understood what Dolores thought, I quickly corrected her.

“No, no, he didn’t sleep here, Dolores. Just seems to think he has to shower here.”

“Ah,” said Dolores with a smile.

“Would you mind please moving my things into the bedroom where he is currently sleeping? He agreed, and I don’t want him barging in here half naked every morning.”

“I understand,” teased Dolores with a smile.

I avoided her inquisitive stare as I went to take my coffee on the balcony. I was enjoying feeling the sun on my skin; there was barely a breeze. I still had a view of the pool, shining in various shades of blue under the still burning sun of July. I could see that my older bedroom wasn’t very close to this one, relatively speaking. This new one sure was.

A few minutes later, Alejandro came out of the bathroom and joined me. He was wearing a pair of jeans and a burgundy polo shirt. I couldn’t help but admire his toned arms in the polo. He rarely wore polos, and I was enjoying seeing a more relaxed version of him. He stood next to me, looking out.

“Such a nice day.”

“And very hot,” I complained.

“Yeah. If you promise to behave and not stupidly try to escape again,” he said, turning slowly toward me, “you could use the pool.”

“So generous,” I mocked. “Friendly reminder that I only tried to escape because I was attacked.” He stayed silent.

I was too excited about being able to use the pool on such a hot day, and frankly, I was tired of fighting with him. Dolores had already provided me with a few gorgeous bathing suits that I was eager to use. I needed the distraction.

I moved to the bedroom where Alejandro was sleeping. It was slightly smaller, but I liked it better. It was a bit more feminine, with a light-oak king bed and matching nightstands. The closet was also a walk-in, where Dolores had already placed my clothes as well as my notebook, but what got me excited was the record player.

I smiled and put on the Luis Miguel vinyl and managed to put the needle on track number five. I then sat down at my new desk, happy to have found my notebook again.

I wrote until I looked up and saw it was dark outside. I found writing my fears and confusion therapeutic still. Now I was tired, my fingers hurt, and I felt a little tension in my back.

I hadn’t seen Alejandro all day, and when I asked Dolores for him around dinner, she told me he wasn’t home. I had a great idea. I could go swim a bit and take a dip in the Jacuzzi with Alejandro absent. It was the perfect timing. It would be easier at nighttime without Alejandro there. It would help release the tension in my body. If I was forced to stay here, I might as well enjoy the amenities.

I opted for a black bathing suit, very simple on the front, cupping my breasts on the sides, with strings going from my shoulders to my lower back. I grabbed a towel and made a stop by Dolores’s bedroom to tell her.

I didn’t want Dolores going to my room and getting concerned. Alejandro had told her that I could go to the pool, and she no longer locked my bedroom door. Don’t get too comfortable, I reminded myself. All this freedom is illusory if you can’t leave the house. But for tonight, I would enjoy a nice bottle of wine that I selected from the wine cellar while soothing my nerves with the feeling of hot water caressing my skin and thawing my tense muscles.

The water in the pool was just right. It was no surprise as it had been sunny for days now. The skies were dark blue with the most beautiful stars shining from every corner. I could not get enough.

I did a couple of laps and stopped to admire the quarter moon. This felt like a wonderful utopia. The property was surrounded by trees, and everything was so quiet. I could hear the faint sound of the music I had left playing in my room since the windows were open. I could almost forget that I was a hostage tonight. I felt transported to another planet, swimming under the stars.

When I was done and feeling a little tired, I decided to take it slow and go enjoy the wine in the jacuzzi. I had picked a lovely malbec, the right temperature for this heat if one didn’t want to drink white wine. I closed my eyes, letting the water detangle every tired muscle in my body. I could feel the constant pain of anxiety that I had in my neck slowly fade away.

“I am glad to see that you chose to enjoy the place.”

I jumped and squealed at the sound of Alejandro’s voice. He was standing next to the Jacuzzi, wearing a black bathing suit. I was just staring at him, entranced by the moonlight highlighting every single muscle on his firm body. My mouth was agape, no sound coming out of it.

What could I possibly do when a body like his was just there, within reach?

I watched as he slowly got into the hot tub sighing at the feeling of the hot water on his skin. He walked next to me, never taking his eyes off me, and poured himself some wine into the glass he brought with him. Of course he came prepared.

He walked back to the other end of the jacuzzi and sat facing me. He savored a sip of the malbec, enjoying the oaky taste. I swallowed and tried to slow my breathing.

I wondered what the wine would taste like from his lips.

Alejandro was still staring at me, where the water glistened off the tops of my breasts, his darkening eyes continuing to peruse my every curve, appreciating the sudden lack of coverage. His eyes looked like they were burning as he started to breathe heavier. Desperate to regain control, I distracted myself by pouring some more wine in my glass.