Touch After 5 Years

"Sir David, thanks for bringing Harris home. He looks incapable of driving," Mallory said with a warm smile as she welcomed the three of them into the opulent mansion. "Just David for you, Mallory. I couldn't let Harris drive alone in this condition," David replied, his voice filled with concern for his friend. "Thank you, David. Let me lead you to his room," Mallory offered, taking charge of the situation. She led them upstairs, beside her room where Harris's room was located. "We just had a drink with Dad earlier," David explained as he and the driver carefully laid Harris on his king-size bed. Three of the house helpers promptly emerged to attend to Harris while Mallory walked the driver and David out. "You guys must have missed each other so much. Harris has been so busy lately, this is the only day I saw him take a break," Mallory remarked, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and genuine concern. "We do. We're both busy. My dad missed Harris too, so we had some drinks at home since Dad doesn't go anywhere just for a drink. My Dad is quite old for partying," David shared. "I see," Mallory responded, hesitating slightly before voicing a concern that had been on her mind. "You guys are so close. You probably don't have secrets from each other." David scoffed lightly and waved his hand, signaling for his driver to wait in the car. "If this is about Harris, you and Harriet, yes, we don't keep secrets from each other. But you should know that everything is safe with me. Harris is like my brother, and I won't betray him, ever." "Harris also assured me about you," Mallory said with relief. "I'm overwhelmed with all that is happening, and until now, the issue of me being Harris's other woman hasn't died down. I don't want this to affect my daughter, especially at school." "Mallory, I'm sure Harris is doing everything he can to end all of this. Please hold on," David implored, his voice reassuring. "You are one lucky girl. Harris loves you so much, and I wish nothing but the best for the two of you and your daughter, Harriet," he added as he hugged her goodbye. As soon as David and the driver left, Mallory returned inside the house. 'Mallory?" Harris called out her name as soon as she entered his room. The three house helpers shifted their attention to her, freezing momentarily. 'Guys, I'll take care of this. You can go back to your rooms and rest," Mallory assured them, her voice firm yet gentle. The three house helpers silently walked out of the room. Each bowed slightly as they exited almost in unison: a show of respect for Mallory's station within their household. Harris continued calling Mallory's name, which made Mallory even more tense, looking at Harris's half-naked body. Everything that had happened between them in their hotel room five years ago flashed through her mind. The way they had confessed their feelings to each other, and then made love with a passion like nothing she'd ever experienced since. She thought of how he held her close as they lay together afterward; his whispered words of love seemed to vibrate through every part of her body. His kisses were so gentle yet so passionate that it felt like no kiss she'd ever received from another man before. Every time their lips parted, it felt like there was an invisible string connecting. Mallory shook her head, taking her out of her reverie. She felt her temperature rising just thinking about her passionate night with Harris. 'Oh, Harris," she muttered. 'How did we end like this?" The house helpers already prepared everything needed but she had to remove Harris' clothes first. She slowly unzipped Harris's jeans to fully clean his body. But it took a while before she managed to pull the jeans, exposing Harris's big bulge. Mallory swallowed a limp in her throat and couldn't help but reminiscing how it felt to be held in Harris's arms. She timidly touched his chest and quickly moved down to his stomach, feeling the heat radiating from it. She recalled the night of passion, how his hands moved over her body, the feel of his hard chest against hers. She felt a warmth spread through her and felt herself tremble in anticipation. Her heart suddenly became erratic, like it could be heard echoing off the walls around them, as if each beat wanted to make its presence known. Her skin heated up despite the chill in the air, and it was as though tiny electric sparks were dancing across every inch of exposed flesh. Mallory swallowed hard, knowing that this time would never come back again; yet feeling like they had only just been there. Mallory's compassionate nature and strong sense of self-propelled her as she sought to make the right decisions for herself and those she loved, especially Harriet. She stepped back, forcing herself to break the spell that Harris had on her. But it was too late. As she opened her eyes, Harris was an inch close to her face. 'Mallory?" Harris muttered. His face was filled with surprise, confusion, and joy. Mallory pulled a little, this time allowing herself to take in the full sight of Harris—his broad shoulders, his muscular arms, and the chest that she had felt for the first time after 5 years a few minutes earlier. Harris was feeling the tingle of being near Mallory again. It had been years since he felt this kind of happiness, and it hit him harder than he ever expected it could. He smiled as he realized how truly lucky he was to come across her again, given all the odds against them. 'Mallory, it's you," Harris spoke softly. 'Harris," Mallory said, barely a whisper. 'I miss you so much, baby." Despite everything that had happened between them—all the lies, betrayals, and secrets—some part of Mallory still wanted to get lost in Harris's embrace. She licked her lips involuntarily as she looked at Harris with admiration, feeling a flutter in her stomach and an ache in her heart that she thought had long since disappeared. Harris's hands caressed her cheek, slowly tracing a path over the contours of her face. He gently brushed his lips against hers - barely there at first - and then came back for more, lingering at the moment as if it were something he had waited years to do. As much as Mallory wanted to protest - push him away from this precarious situation- she found that she could not; for even though her head told her no, with every kiss he placed on one corner of those pouty lips than the other – she found herself wanting him even more than ever before.