Chapter 19 Were we?

To Raymond's surprise, Vanessa kissed him back. It was obvious Vanessa was still inexperienced. He slowly kissed her and being a fast learner, Vanessa repeated everything he did until their tongues and lips moved in a sync. He took his time to savour and relish the taste of her lips. Soon, what started as a slow, passionate kiss became intense and Raymond pulled his lips away.

"I'm sorry, i didn't mean to" Raymond began, but he was interrupted by Vanessa who crushed her lips on his. The kiss became passionately intense that they both wanted more of each other. They spent more than twenty minutes savouring and relishing each other's taste. When their lips finally parted, Vanessa's lips were slightly swollen. She rested her head on his chest again and took a deep breath. Raymond wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her closer to himself. They both liked the mood, no doubt, and stayed in each other's embrace. A few minutes later, Raymond asked;

"Nessa, are you back for good?"

"Seems like" she answered honestly.

"I see" he answered with a smile which Vanessa missed since her face was buried in his chest. "To what do I owe this visit?"

That question pulled Vanessa out of her trance-like state. She almost forgot why she was there. She sat up and looked at him, deciding whether she should hit the nail on its head or save it for another time.

"Would you be honest, if i told you why?" Vanessa asked.

"If i see the need to" he answered honestly.

"I don't think you will answer me truthfully"

"Why don't you shoot first?"

"Raymond, do you still love me?"

That question was not the question he was expecting. But doesn't she know how he felt about her? Or she was feigning ignorance?

"More than myself!" he replied truthfully.

"You would do anything for me to be happy?"

"Yes, except a few things"

"Like?"

"Hurting Aida or Mary"

"But you won't think twice to hurt me for them, will you?"

"Nessa, i know i hurt you so much in the past but things are different now"

"I don't see any difference tho. But i want to ask, you're not reckless, are you?"

"Much to my chagrins, i am not"

"I don't remember you being reckless when we were younger. Do you break promises ?"

Raymond knew where the questions were heading towards but didn't do anything to dismiss Vanessa's prying spirit.

"I hardly do. But under strenuous situations, i may be forced to break it " Raymond replied.

"Raymond, you were ordered. Weren't you?"

When he didn't answer her, she knew she was right.

"Who are you protecting? Is it me or the one who ordered you?"

"Vanessa, i was not ordered. Everything that happened, was done by me. I won't blame anyone for my recklessness"

"Lies!" Vanessa retorted angrily. " You promised you won't touch me against my will. didn't you?"

"Yes, i did. Vanessa, let's face the truth. We weren't entirely innocent, were we?"