The painting (5) - not edited

I wake up late.

For a change, I woke up after Alexander already left. Oh, this is another first.

But... where did he find all the energy? He did so many things to me, yet he can get up and go to work as if nothing happened?

Unfortunately, it's not the same for me.

First of all, I need more sleep. If it wasn't for the alarm my husband set to avoid being late at the painting session, I would be sleeping like a baby.

I yawn while turning in bed. My back complains as soon as I twist my waist. Oh, goodness.

I didn't notice anything yesterday. I was tired, but I wouldn't have imagined that I would end up in this condition.

I should have done way more secret exercise. I'm useless.

How will I find enough strength to get up?

I moan in complaint while nestling under the blanket. My legs are so tired: I can't walk.

How am I supposed to open the door with my arms in this state?

Even my neck hurts, for goodness.

I won't do this ever again. From now on, I'll set a limit to Alexander's passion. Loving each other is fine, but we need to function the day after!

I need to function. That moron is fine. He's feeling well, and I bet he'll appear in all his splendour as soon as I see him. He'll smile, looking fresh as if he slept for a whole night.

I almost close my eyes to sleep some more, when the door is opened. Ah, here we go.

Alexander walks in with a tray of food. He sits on the bed, right next to me, and he waits for this Lady to turn by herself and eat.

But I can't lift my elbow enough to bring food to my mouth.

A sob escapes my lips as I settle for breakfast.

Alexander cuts the hot butter bread, and he spreads some other butter on it. Oh, what a sweet aroma.

He leans some dried meat in the loaf, and he makes me a sandwich.

Doesn't he know this Lady wants sweet breakfast after being mercilessly taken advantage of? Where are my cookies? My croissants?

«I realised my wife would be tired,» he explains, reading my mind. «And we will be busy for long, this morning. My wife will need so much energy, right? That's why you'll get your sweets only after eating real food.»

Real food? He always means meat when he says real food...

I pout, but my unmovable husband doesn't flinch.

He cuts the loaf into smaller pieces, realising that a Lady doesn't bite sandwiches. With dried meat, at that!

I open my mouth when he feeds me a piece, and I eat without any trace of enjoyment. I won't let him notice that I'm grateful for whatever food, at this very moment.

I haven't noticed earlier because I was busy with the pain in my muscles. But I'm so hungry!

I eat the whole sandwich without a single word, and I eye the eggs on a plate nearby. Forgetting about my hurting arms, I try to take the plate.

I'm soon stopped by a might, gentle hand.

«No,» he voices. Only.

I stare at him like an abandoned puppy, trying to convey all my love with my gaze. He will be moved and give me food, in the end. Right? Right?

«Xander...» I try when he doesn't move.

He's secretly enjoying so much attention all on him. He knows I'll forget as soon as I reach my food.

«Wife, behave,» he chuckles. «I won't eat your part, don't worry...»

«I wasn't worried.»

«I'm here to help you, though. You must be so tired.»

«I am tired.»

«Then, let me pamper you a little,» he murmurs, feeding me with the rest of the food from the platter.

I behave like the perfect wife. I don't complain about the insane amount of meet and the complete absence of vegetables. I don't ask for sweets either.

I just chew the food, leaning on my hubby's chest.

I even lick his fingers when the food is oily or covered in some sauce.

In the end, I can finally have a piece of cake. Coconut cake.

I sigh in peace while enjoying the sweet but not too sweet taste, and I even close my eyes to feel it better.

«Are you still hungry?»

«No,» I moan, licking the spoon for the umpteenth time. I'm eating for pleasure, right now.

«So, you're ready for this long day.»

«Long day?»

«We have something to do, yes...» I say, trying to remember.

Oh, right! The paining! It's finally time to have our faces hanging in the Lord's hall.

«I can't wait for it,» I say out loud.

Alexander's face turns solemn for a moment. He looks at me in silence, and he presses me down.

Oh, no. I can't. I seriously can't right now.

«Tonight?» I attempt. Negotiating has never brought me any good. But I won't get tired of trying.

His hands don't constrain me too much, so I relax and let him kiss me. He's just coddling and has no ill intention.

His lips land on my neck, and he sucks on a place right under my ear. It's one of his favourite places, and it's not as visible. For that reason, I let him do.

Even if a bruise appears, no one will see... it?

«Alexander, Alexander... Wait!» I will have to tie my hair up today!

It's a disaster. I can tell it's too late to complain. Yet, every moment that passes will make the bruise darker.

But this compelling husband of mine stops only after the third time I call his name. He sits on the bed and hides his expression.

His aura is dark, and his shoulders are drooping.

I cup his chin and make him look at me. His face... Oh... Is he ashamed? Is that possible?

I reach closer to him and peck his forehead, responding to the instinct telling me to comfort him at any cost.

But then, it's not like anything weird happened. He was doing something he always does and I changed idea at the last moment.

But, did he really forget the small details about the tied hair, the portrait... I don't want to believe he wants everyone to see our passion. The people we'll meet today, and those that will see the portrait in the future.

We will be dead and forgotten, but his delicate caresses will be testified for the centuries to come!

This ashamed expression is just a facade! How can anyone be so possessive? Hinting our relationship to anyone landing their eyes on me, even those that we won't ever meet...

Unless...

«Alexander, why?» I inquire.

«No reason at all...» he whispers.

«Tell me the truth.»

«No reason.»

«You know I will find out, sooner or later. I won't let it go just like that. Tell me now and save me some energy.»

Instead of surrendering, he lets me go and fetches another piece of cake from the tray, now somewhere on the bed.

He offers it to me, and I start eating.

I'm not giving up in exchange for food. I've just figured it's pointless to insist right now.