Chapter 15: I Like You the Most

Olive blushed, wishing the earth would swallow her whole. The frosted glass door was ajar, revealing Elvis’s stiff back and broad shoulders, showcasing the strength inherent in him. It was a breathtaking sight.

Elvis had planned to tease her, but seeing her eyes fixed on his body, he felt shy. He looked at her and muttered, "Mrs. Augustine, don't seduce me. Go out quickly."

Olive turned to leave, then stopped at the door, closing it before returning to the frosted glass door. Elvis quickly wrapped a bath towel around his waist and opened the door, his eyes fixed on Olive's small face. His voice was harsh. "Mrs. Augustine, what are you doing? Better have a good reason, because if you're teasing me, you'll see how I'll deal with you!"

Olive's heart pounded. She wanted to reassure him, to let him know her heart and body belonged to him, that he didn't need to fight other men. She was his wife; everything they did was legal. She shivered, taking a breath. "Mr. Augustine, do you want me to rub your back?"

He grabbed her arm and pulled her into the shower. Warm water cascaded over her. Elvis pushed her against the wall, trapping her in his embrace. The frosted glass door was shut tight. The heat made Olive curl her fingers. Her long black hair was wet.

Elvis leaned his bandaged right hand against the wall, cupped her face in his large hand, and lowered his head to kiss her. Olive was his first. He wondered if other women were like her—soft, bright, intelligent, and well-behaved. Every time his illness pushed him away, she stepped closer.

Olive felt nervous, her slender body rigid against the wall. Elvis smiled sweetly. "Your best friend taught you something, right?"

Olive placed her hand on his waist, her fingers brushing his abs. Satisfied, she hugged him. He kissed her face and whispered, "Does this meet your requirements for a man? Are you impressed?"

Olive knew he was teasing her, having overheard her conversation with North at the Red Villa. "I'm impressed," she replied, burying her blushing face in his chest. Embarrassed, she added softly, "I like you the most."

Elvis's Adam's apple bobbed. His lips found hers. "Mrs. Augustine, why is your mouth so sweet?"

The kiss dazed her, her body aching for him. Soon, his tall, heavy body pressed her against the wall. He buried his face in her hair and said calmly, "Olive, I want you badly. But I'll wait until you're a little older and ready."

Olive felt his care. Her heart swelled as she hugged him. "Mr. Augustine," she began, "you seem to have a problem with me spending time with your aunt and brother. Why?"

She sensed his muscles tense. Changing her tone, she added, "It's fine if you don't want to talk about it."

He held her close, clasping the back of her head. "There's nothing wrong with them. I just… I don't have much feeling for them. After my mother passed away… I was emotionally unstable. Her body wasn't found at her funeral. Only a coffin…" He swallowed hard. "There was an accident. The coffin burned. By the time I noticed, only ashes remained…"

"I was furious. I lost control. I hurt a lot of people. Things got out of hand. I was hospitalized and diagnosed with a mental disorder." He closed his eyes, hiding the terror in them. His wounded arm was visible. He still felt the pain.

Olive's hands wrapped around his neck. She tiptoed and kissed his face. "Mr. Augustine, you're not alone. I'll always be by your side."

He put his hands on her waist, his eyes gloomy. "Olive, before I met you, I hid my past. It was the most embarrassing time of my life. My aunt, Marvin, and relatives were all there; they saw everything. But now… I don't care about appearances. I just didn't want you to know." He took a deep breath and looked at her. "Olive, I've told you about my messy past. If they bring it up, ignore them, okay?"

Olive's eyes filled with tears. She realized the funeral incident was the cause of his illness. Who had planned this? An individual or a group?