LEOPARD: THE ENEMY WITHIN

Questions

I tasted one and nodded. They were good. But I was so exhausted. Yet I didn’t regret staying out that long. Even as I set the table, I missed Benjamin and looked forward to life with him. Soon, I would be setting the table for us.         

Once we sat, Eric sang. He spoke of staying out late because of Benjamin. Lies. Mom asked to see the ring and smiled. So I told them Benjamin would visit over lunch and let them know we were getting married. Dad seemed excited.

I was nervous I barely touched my food. Mom asked if I was sure and Eric answered. He said he had never seen me happier. That was true. If I could, I would get married the very next day. But that wouldn’t be possible so I went ahead to begin preparing lunch. Carter loved chicken.         

Mom checked the food once I was done cooking. I went for a shower, wore a soft pink dress that ended just below the knee. It was decent with a band on the waist.

My brothers were teasing me as I was clearly nervous. Dad was composed, seated in the lounge having a glass of homemade mango juice. Then there was a knock and I dashed for the door.

Eric grabbed my waist by wrapping his arms round me halfway to the door and lifted me back to the lounge while our parents laughed and Evans went to open the door.

I got up and straightened my dress just as Benjamin got to the lounge. He shook hands but when he got to me, he pulled me into his arms and I blushed.

“You look amazing, beautiful. I can’t wait to wife you,” he said, then held my hands.

“You are handsome as always, darling. You are welcome to my home,” I said, smiled warmly.

“So, when do you two want to wed?” Dad asked.

“Today, if I could. Or the soonest reasonable date, if my fiancé is comfortable.” Carter said, holding my hand.

“I am comfortable. I can’t wait,” I said, smiled and squeezed his hand.

“Alright. Families need to meet. When can your family get here? Any day after that, we can have the wedding,” Dad said.        

Carter stepped out and called his father. I organised the table, a broad smile on my face. Mom was talking about inviting the relatives to the wedding.

I hadn’t even thought of the venue. I just wanted to get married to Carter and didn’t mind where. He got back, a smile on the face. The parents would be in the country in three days. They would visit mine in four.

Carter would be in the country till after we married. We set the wedding to a week later and that made me really happy. I texted Celine. She would be there in four days.        

After cleaning up, I went to my room, stashed something into my sling bag and went to see off Carter. I was the happiest I had been, a permanent smile on my face.

My parents knew Carter and I had a lot to talk about, a lot to plan. I got on the bike Carter rode, wore a helmet, wrapped my arms round him and gave him directions.

I loved the ride, my arms round him, feeling his skin so close, inhaling his scent. Till we got to the bottom of a water fall. It was peaceful and quiet set for the sound of water.      

I got my bag, threw swim trunks to Carter and took out bikini for myself. I asked him to look away and he chuckled, asked when he would get to see my body.

In a week. He chuckled, turned his back to me and stripped. By the time he was done I was done. I was in a black bikini. He turned to look at me and smiled. But when he tried to touch me, I ran. He shook his head briefly and ran after me.

I jumped off and landed in the pool at the bottom of the water falls. He jumped in right after me. While I paddled my arms and floated, I watched him move back up, wet and so hot I couldn’t stop my mind from going dirty.        

Carter swam to me. He held my neck and went for a kiss. I enjoyed that. I let him, kissed him back and enjoyed for minutes on end. Then I swam back and looked at him, a smile on my face. Where would I get a simple wedding gown? Something I could get to ride the bike on.

I swam to a more shallow side and stood. The water was all the way to my shoulder blade. Carter swam and stood in front of me. He smiled and held my cheeks for a moment then wrapped his arms round my waist pulling me close.

“Is there anything you would like to know about me before the wedding, darling?” Carter asked.

“I … I am not thinking straight with you so close to me,” I said, blushed heavily.

Carter rubbed his hands on my back, held my waist with the right hand while the left moved to my front. I shut my eyes.

“I have a question, Elsa. Are you a virgin?” he asked, rubbed my boob.