Chapter 9

After spending intimate hours together, Mark carried Nicole affectionately through the mall's corridors.

As they passed by, they saw Monica and Anna, laden with their newly acquired lingerie.

Monica playfully teased, "Mark, looks like you've worn her out."

Anna, chuckling at Monica's remark, chimed in, "Seems like Mark's been quite the gentleman today."

Mark responded with a grin, "I'm always a gentleman." She held onto him in silence, feeling both embarrassed and relieved. Monica and Anna, witnessing the scene, didn't appear angry with her, which put Nicole at ease.

They had a brief meal, and afterward, Mark connected Nicole's mattress to their own, creating a larger sleeping area for them to rest together.

He glanced at the girls. Monica was showing Anna a pair of see-through panties that made her laugh, but he couldn't hear their conversation. Nicole curiously looked at the lingerie and chuckled at some of the items as well.

Luda sat nearby, curiosity lighting up her eyes as she watched the group's interactions, particularly intrigued by the lingerie items that had caught their attention.

Before heading to the rooftop, Mark turned to Anna, Nicole, Nicole, and Luda. He gave each of them a tender kiss to the lips, expressing his affection.

Mark made his way to the rooftop, checking the time on his phone, which read 5 pm.

As he arrived, he noticed Kenneth and Andy engrossed in a game of chess.

Oddly enough, they both had their chess boards and were using binoculars to observe each other's moves, despite being separated by several streets.

Glancing down into the parking lot, Mark's gaze fell upon the ever-growing horde of zombies. Each day seemed to bring more of them, and their numbers multiplied before his eyes.

Mark thought of the massive horde from the movie – thousands of them. Now, as he surveyed the scene, it seemed like there were maybe hundreds, give or take.

He shifted his gaze further into the city, which now appeared to be crawling with the undead. In the distance, several buildings emitted plumes of smoke.

His eyes drifted to Andy's rooftop. Mark couldn't summon much concern for the man. Three days had elapsed, and he couldn't help but think that Andy's chances of having any supplies left were dwindling fast. Yet, Mark's emotional attachment to the stranger was nonexistent.

He remembered from the movie that Andy had survived two weeks without much supply, though he had looked very thin and weak.

He pitied the man, but Mark couldn't really find any personal motivation to offer assistance. Let's just give them an idea.

"Hey, Kenneth. Have you inquired whether Andy still has an ample supply of provisions?" Mark questioned, glancing at the man.

Kenneth, with a hint of surprise, indicated that he hadn't asked yet. He retrieved an erasable board and began to jot down a note about inquiring into Andy's supply situation.

Mark observed them for a moment, then lit a cigarette and took a sip from his thermos of milk coffee, the soothing warmth contrasting with the cool air of the rooftop.

"What's the word from Andy?" Mark inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Kenneth's response was somber. "He estimates he might have supplies for a week or two if he rationed them carefully."

Mark nodded thoughtfully. "Alright, let's hope he can hold on for a bit longer," he said, concern in his voice. "Maybe we can find a way to assist him later. If he has a whistle or some way to signal, we could use Chips to deliver food. We could lower it down from here with a rope or something."

Kenneth agreed with determination in his eyes.

Mark had a clear intention to replicate the scene from the movie, hoping that Andy wouldn't get bitten again.

"We'll do it tomorrow. It's already getting dark. Let's inform Andy about our plan now," Mark suggested.

Kenneth agreed and said, "Good idea. We'll talk to him right away."

Mark made his way back to their private sanctuary, leaving Kenneth to communicate with Andy. Inside, he discovered Luda sitting alone, engrossed in a movie. It's a romance flick.

He couldn't help but find himself drawn to Luda as she sat comfortably on the couch. His gaze, initially fixed on her face, revealed a hint of attraction in his eyes.

A warm smile played on his lips as he took in her radiant presence. His gaze then shifted downward, appreciating the beautiful curves of her pregnant form.

Mark settled in beside her, their shoulders touching. He couldn't help but notice the gentle fragrance that surrounded her, a soft, alluring scent that heightened his senses.

The warmth of her body pressed against his shoulder, creating a comforting connection that made him feel closer to her than ever before.

He tenderly clasped her hands in his own, his touch gentle and caring. With utmost care, he began to stroke her palm and fingers, his fingers moving in slow, soothing motions, bringing a sense of intimacy and relaxation to her.

Curious, Mark inquired, "Luda, where are the other girls?"

Continuing to apply the gentle pressure to her hands, his touch was both comforting and inquisitive. His fingers conveyed a silent message of care and curiosity, forging a deeper connection between them.

Luda looked up from her movie and playfully teased, "They went back to the lingerie store. They wanted to get something for Nicole."

She leaned back, clearly enjoying the sensation of his massage, a contented smile gracing her lips.

Mark's eyes lit up with intrigue upon hearing that information. Luda continued, her voice playful and her grin mischievous, "It's a pity I'm like this," referring to her pregnancy, as if she were teasing Mark with a playful hint of seduction in her tone.

Mark's lips curved into a knowing smile as he leaned in. 'Well,' he whispered with a mischievous glint in his eye, 'there's always next time.' His fingers gently found their place on her waist, decisively drawing her nearer, and he pressed his lips to hers in a sweet yet passionate kiss.

Luda, too, was caught in the allure of the moment. She reciprocated with equal fervor, her arms slipping around him, and they melded into a shared world of warmth and affection. In that stolen moment, their connection deepened, and the promise of 'next time' felt even more precious."