Alisha’s POV
As my bite delivered a hint of retribution through Archie's lips, a flicker of pain traced his features. It was a triumph that surged within me, a small victory amidst this scripted performance. I anticipated loosening my grip, disentangling myself from this farcical embrace. But somehow, Archie's eyes locked onto mine, with something I was unable to tell. Then regardless of the pain from my bite, he closed his eyes and intensified the kiss even more. The kiss mixed with pain and insistence pierced through my senses, casting a veil over the complexities that defined us. A mingling taste of blood painted our lips. I forgot where I was, forgot all the complications between Archie and me, and got lost in the kiss. In that suspended moment, the world retreated, leaving just him and me, caught in the undertow of our shared memories-Archie kissed me on our wedding ceremony for the first time. It was a kiss on the precipice, at the crossroads of bitterness and forgotten tenderness.
Just as my own eyes fluttered shut, surrendering to the swirl of emotions, I caught a glimpse of Shaunda through the corner of my eye, and suddenly I snapped back to reality. Like a splash of cold water, I was abruptly yanked back from the precipice of oblivion. How could I get lost to Archie again? What’s more, we were not alone; we were in the Shaunda's study, and we were kissing right in front of her!
A heat, fierce and mortifying, crept up my neck and engulfed my cheeks. Seeing the satisfied smile on Shaunda's face, I bet a scarlet hue painted my features with embarrassment even I couldn’t see my face. My instinctive response was to get myself out of Archie’s embrace, to sever the connection that was too awkward in this setting. I shifted my head, preparing to disengage from Archie's hold, to halt the kiss. However, my determination collided with Archie’s unwavering intent. His lips chased mine with an obstinate fervor, carrying on the fake performance that had ignited between us.
But I felt too awkward to passionately kiss in front of Shaunda. I wanted to speak up and remind Archie to stop, but he covered my mouth, preventing me from saying anything. I couldn’t bite Archie too hard, for if the wound was too noticeable, Shaunda might discover it and notice the performance between us.
As a last resort, my fingers found their target on Archie's waist, gripping the soft flesh where Shaunda's eyes couldn't intrude. Thankfully, my nails weren't trimmed, whose nails bit into his skin with just enough pressure to trigger a swift reaction. Archie's body indeed stiffened suddenly with my pinch, then he stopped.
Seizing this moment, I deftly turned my head, breaking free from the lingering kiss. Simultaneously, my hand continued its vengeful pinch, an act both satisfying and retaliatory. My other hand brushed against my hair that was messed up by Archie. My eyes steadfastly avoided Shaunda's gaze; the blush of embarrassment painted my cheeks. In the face of this unexpected spectacle, I was caught in a whirlwind of awkwardness.
Archie's hand reached behind his waist, finding mine. His grip, forceful but not punitive, halted my retaliatory action. Then, he coughed awkwardly a couple of times. Shaunda's amused chuckle broke through the tension like a breath of fresh air, her words dancing with a teasing lightness. "Ah, the fervor of youth, brimming with energy and passion."
Hearing her teasing, I felt so embarrassed that I wished I could disappear instantly. Archie, Yet, Archie, true to his thick-skinned nature, emerged from the moment unscathed. As if nothing had happened at all. He calmly said to Shaunda, "Grandma, just as you saw, Alisha and I have a harmonious relationship, so there's nothing to worry about. If there's nothing else, we'll head back to our room."
Shaunda responded, "Archie, I'm not worried about Alisha. As long as you don't upset her, everything will be fine."
The situation had escalated to an unbearable level of awkwardness, and any escape was a welcome one, so drawing inspiration from Archie's words, I hastened to say, "Grandma, your understanding heart is truly a gift. With you around, I believe Archie won't dare to annoy me again. Don't worry about us. Archie's words just reminded me, we just arrived here, and our luggage isn't unpacked yet. Also, I suddenly came to your study, and Louie is waiting for me in the garden, so we need to leave...”
Before I could complete my strategic exit, Archie's words interjected with a determined authority, "You're not allowed to leave."
His interruption was like a wrench in the gears, causing my sentence to halt abruptly. I immediately turned my head and gave Archie a stern glare. He was doing this on purpose! He knew very well that I was feeling awkward staying here, yet he forbade me to leave. What a jerk!
Yet Archie remained undaunted, his gaze resolute as he locked eyes with mine. His words rolled forth, further entangling me in this snare he'd cunningly woven. "Our purpose here is to keep company with Shaunda. I believe it would be best for you to stay here and engage in conversation with Grandma."
I forced a smile, attempting to justify myself, "But our luggage..." The thin veneer of my forced smile barely concealed the mounting irritation.
"I'll take care of it." Archie replied with a flat tone.
A scoff escaped me, colored with skepticism. "You? You've never done this before."
A defiant challenge sparkled in his eyes as he retorted, "We have a household full of butlers and servants, don't we? Is it that difficult for you to spend a little time with Grandma?"
It's not that I'm unwilling, it's just that I feel awkward, and the reason for my awkwardness is exactly caused by Archie.
Meanwhile, Shaunda interjected with a chuckle, adding an unexpected twist to the conversation. "It's quite alright, my dear. You needn't feel obligated to entertain an old woman. I can seek out Louie myself. I wouldn't want to intrude upon your precious moments together. It's best if you two stay together. After all, I have been looking forward to your baby, my great grandson."
The unexpectedness of Shaunda’s remark left me momentarily speechless. It was both a jest and a longing, which made my cheeks flush, and I didn’t know how to response.
While Archie furrowed and answered coldly, “Grandma, we have no plan for a baby now.”