English Version: Sands & Sparrow

31

"You have a nice place here," Margo commented while the chauffeur placed Aveline's bag on the floor.

"Huh?" Aveline stood in the living room with disbelief. All this time, she thought her prize would be delivered but judging from what she saw, they also designed the whole house. Painted walls accentuated with chandeliers and new furniture. Furnished appliances, kitchen cupboards were fully equipped and even the fridge got food.

"Can I use your bathroom?" Margo gently closed her gaping mouth. Aveline consciously blushed from embarrassment. "Bathroom? I think it's in the—-" she paused trying to remember where, but Margo was already gone. The immortal seemed to know the interior of the house; she went straight to the bathroom to wash her hands.

Aveline roamed her eyes. She felt like there were butterflies inside her stomach; squealing internally. She could not help to contain her happiness; her deep dimples gave away. Aveline went to the room and looked inside. Everything was in order; the bed was all covered in satin sheets; even the bathrooms had a set of toiletries. She sighed in contentment. It never crossed her mind to live in luxury, but here she was, living in a dream. She went to the living room and found Margo already sitting on the couch.

"Have dinner with me? I'll cook. Please don't go." Aveline requested, she seemed like a child as she knelt in front of her. In her chocolate eyes, gladness was seen, it was shining from happiness, Margo unconsciously admired it. "Do you like the house?"

Aveline nodded; she held Margo's cheeks. "I'm so happy. I love this place," she told her with full of sincerity. Not even a hint of sadness or worries were seen in her eyes, only joy.

"Do you need a maid?"

"I'll be fine, Margo."

"I'm glad you like it."

Suddenly, Aveline's eyes came to be dimmer. They looked into each other's eyes. "Something wrong?" Margo asked almost a whisper.

Aveline sighed. She stood and sat on Margo's lap. A surprise was seen on her green eyes when she held her face. "I think I'm going to miss you the most." Aveline murmured while stroking Margo's cheeks. "Won't you stay here for a night. Sleep with me?"

"Do monsters scare you?" Margo smilingly teased her, pulled Aveline closer, and their faces were an inch apart. "You're treating me like a child," Aveline muttered. Margo's scent lingered again; their closeness was not helping, too tempting for her. She averted her chocolate eyes instead and buried her face to Margo's neck. "Can I ask you a question?"

"What is it?"

"Uhm..."

"What is it, Aveline?"

Aveline ran a hand through the immortal's hair, whispering, "Do you sleep with anyone other than me?" The question surprised even her, fueled by a desire to know despite the potential pain.

Margo answered casually, "I'm getting calls." A surge of silent jealousy overtook Aveline. She wrapped her arms around Margo, her self-control slipping away. Overwhelmed by frustration, she kissed Margo, her longing imbued in the kiss as a silent rebuke.

Margo, sensing the aggression so unlike Aveline, asked, "What are you doing?"

"Let's make love? Right now?" Aveline proposed without hesitation, as casually as inviting Margo for coffee.

"Do friends usually do that?" Margo teased, amusement in her voice, her eyelashes fluttering.

Struck by a realization, Aveline thought, Why deny the truth? She was neither a virgin nor a saint. "You don't want to sleep with me?" she seductively purred into Margo's ear, her tongue playfully teasing the earlobe.