In the afterglow of our passion, we basked in the warmth of each other's embrace. Our breaths mingled in soft whispers of satisfaction. My mind raced, replaying the moment. Judging by his age, I didn't expect him to be so energetic. Yet he unleashed his passion effortlessly, leaving me breathless. He was extraordinary. If only I were lucky enough to have a man like him, I would've lived in paradise.
While I was still in my thoughts, he kissed my forehead and went to bathe. I didn't join him, even though he persuaded me.
My limbs still hummed with pleasant exhaustion.
After bathing, he told me it was my turn.
I couldn't meet his gaze, so I tugged the sheets to my chin, stretching lazily—until my eyes landed on his sculpted abs. My hands immediately touched them.
He kissed my cheek and reminded me I had classes the next day.
Though I had planned to rush home, Menzi's words alone could've convinced me to stay for weeks. But he still respected my earlier insistence on leaving.
I slipped out of his bed for a warm shower.
Since it was my second bath that day, I hurried through the shower.
After it, as I dressed, Menzi was glued to his laptop.
"Menzi, can I ask questions?" I asked instead of just shooting questions at him.
He didn't like questions. He stopped typing and looked up.
"Is everything alright?" he studied my erratic body language.
"Well, I was looking around your room, and... I noticed you're a war vet," I said, watching his expression darken.
"And?" he raised his voice, sitting up. "What do you mean you've been looking over my belongings when I told you not to?"
"I got afraid when I saw you with the pistol last night."
My arms crossed over my chest as his pupils dilated.
"Did that give you enough reason… and over my stuff, Lisa?" he asked, coming closer to me.
Veins bulged across his face and neck, his muscles tensed like steel. He held my arms and squeezed them. The man who had kissed me moments ago was gone. He noticed my fear—my sweat, my shiver—and released me. Then, he went to sit on the bed.
"Lisa, those documents contain dangerous information. You're not supposed to know anything about me. Put this in your brain—you saw nothing, you read nothing, and we never met. Keep it like that," he told me and shouted, "Now change the sheets on the bed. We should get going!"
I bit my nails, my heart pounding erratically.
"Menzi, I apologize for invading your privacy. I don't know what you will think of my character, but I won't be able to behave as if I never met you. Truly, I love you. I'm not concerned with what I will face as long as you're by my side," I paused as I easily became emotional, and tears welled in my eyes, "I'm just a young college girl in love with you. Not only that, but I don't know how it all happened. It was so fast; I can't deny it. I want you more around me, and your touches make me go crazy."
He sighed, looked at me, and handed me his handkerchief to wipe my slowly trailing tears. The handkerchief smelled of his cologne as I wiped my tears. He kissed my forehead and told me to finish getting dressed and spread the bed sheets.
At that instant, his phone rang. It was a message.
He showed me the message on his phone. 'Emergency' was the message. He looked into my eyes and told me he was supposed to go. I gave him a questioning look as he was supposed to drive me home.
He sighed again and promised to find a driver that was going to take me home.
We kissed, and he left.
After some time, a knock sounded at the door. I opened it, thinking it was the driver, but only to find a woman with some packages standing at the door. She entered without my permission and went to put her packages on the bed. She told me Menzi asked her to do so, and the packages were mine.
When the woman left, I opened the packages.
I couldn't believe it—gifts for me! Menzi didn't seem to be that kind of person who would do that, but he did it.
A purplish lining dress and nice black heels, which I couldn't wait to wear, were already on the bed. Earrings and a necklace were in my hands. There was also an iPhone phone, a black bag and a letter that held my gaze.
Inside the black bag was a purse filled with some deodorants and money. I blushed at the pack of cigarettes and the note: 'Never smoke again.'
Menzi was crazy.
I was going to do anything to be with him.
After wearing the dress, I looked perfectly fine. Everything he bought for me looked extraordinary. I was going to go back to Sunyview City wearing the new dress.
After admiring everything, I reached for the note on the bed and read it.
'Lisa, check on the package. Take everything. I went to do some important errands. Forgive my coldness; I couldn't say goodbye staring at you. I hope you will find Viola well, and you should go early to prepare for school. Anyway, with you, I felt like my heart has found someone it yearned for. See you soon! Be safe, Lisa…'
His words sent a relentless smile to my lips.
One thing I was sure of, Menzi was in love with me.
I continued smiling alone until another knock came.
At that moment, the driver was waiting for me. I was finally going home. Excitement ruled me as I left Menzi's room, knowing that he was thinking of me. The driver greeted me with a smile, and then he drove me to Sunyview City, where my college was.
We reached the college at around 11:00 p.m. The driver ensured he left me safe at our dorms before driving back. Viola was standing at the door.
She came to hug me.
"Lisa, how was your weekend?" she asked, snatching my new purse from my hand.
I smiled, feeling excited to share my news.
"It was great, Viola. Menzi and I had a wonderful time together."
Her face lit up with a smile.
"I'm so happy for you, Lisa. You deserve it."
Her eyes widened at the cash in my purse. It was far more than she had expected for one night. As she recognized my new dress and new phone, she jumped at me in happiness. I thanked her and promised to chat in the morning as exhaustion finally claimed me. I went to my room, feeling grateful and loved.
As I changed into my pyjamas, I couldn't stop thinking about Menzi and our time together. I felt like I had found my soulmate. Surely, I couldn't wait to see him again.
That was only the beginning. And so began my story with the war veteran Menzi Mabuyani.
After that weekend, we couldn't stop meeting. He ended up renting a hotel room for me.
I agreed with him to stay away from his personal life, which he said was dangerous.