Chapter 10
(Previously )
"I gave her my word I wouldn't tell you... but I want you to know I won't make the same mistake. "
"I know you won't."
Helen turns to face him again. " I love her so much. "
" I know you do. I trust you.Tell me what she told you." Max says, focus on her braid.
"She asked me if we were going to live together? if we were going to get married since I'd come back into your lives and was getting better...she said, and I quote; Mummy are you going to come back and live with us? Because I want you to be the last person I see when I go to bed and the first one I see when I wake up…"Helen's voice fills with emotion and she wipes away a tear. She said, my princess dress is still in my closet, I kept it because I knew you'd come back... grandma wanted to get rid of it but I told her no, so when am I going to be called Luna Goodwin-Sharpe?
It was the way Max held her, the way his lips came in contact with her neck, but above all, it was the way her body reacted, that made the butterflies in her stomach go wild. As the sun's rays reach her face, waking her up sweating, demanding. For a moment she followed the rhythm of her breath without actually achieving to reach it and immediately moves to Max’s side, seeking borrowed solace in her journey, as she realizes she was alone.
Seeking a breath of fresh air, Helen gets out of bed, wondering if she can bear to be alone anymore? sleeping alone in a big bed without him? Her heart isn't beating as fast now. It only beats fast when Max is around, and she wonders all over again how she could have fallen so hard, so fast? The answer is that she never stopped being in love, but the big difference is that these few months without him have only increased her love and craving. Quite simple...
As she presses her thighs together, tight, very tight and thinks back to the last time she saw him, a week ago. A week without Max and Luna was painful. Sleeping alone in that unfamiliar bed was hard and she was lucky that she spent most of it with Max, even though he was on the other side of the screen. She couldn't touch him, but at night when she got up to go to the bathroom, she'd pick up her phone and watch him sleep! Helen didn't know, but he did the exact same thing...
The last two days have been filled with meetings, protocols and late dinners. What did she want? To get rid of it as quickly as possible and go home. As she hurriedly packed her belongings into her suitcase, Helen was glad to have been able to check in for the flight that would take her home a day and a half earlier! She hasn't said a word to Max, and is planning to surprise him.
She hurriedly rolled her suitcase out of the huge suite of The Chesterfield Mayfairhotel booked by See. Which had been the perfect destination for a relaxing and peaceful hideaway for several days.
"Hi." She picks up on the fifth ring.
"Can you tell me why you always wait until the last minute to pick up your phone?" looking a bit irritated.
"Because I was wondering if I was going to pick up and talk to you or let you have a monologue with my voicemail."
"Helen..." he's shaking his head, but she can't see him smiling.
"Well, to what do I owe this pleasure?"
"I tried to reach you in your suite and they told me you'd already checked out. Seems to me you had to leave after tomorrow? Or I've got my information wrong," Seyeed said, searching through something.
"Don't bother looking for anything, it wasn't planned, but I did the last two meetings yesterday so I could get back early."
"How do you know I was looking for information? And I guess you're going back for this guy?… Max, right? "
"Cause I know you Professor Ali and I refuse to answer until you stop calling him that."
"Then stop calling me Prof. Ali !."
"You know his name though. Stop insulting me" she said harshly.
"You are cranky, I guess you saw your mother?"
"I did." twitching her mouth
"Did you tell her you were back with that - hmm Max?"
"I did."
"And?"
"And what do you expect her to say?"
"I don't know, she might pleasantly surprise you. "
"Who? Serwa Sharpe Mensah? Never." She can hear Seyeed laughing.
"When you call her by her full name, it proves how much you - "
"How sick I am of her, See... she gets on my nerves, no matter how hard I try, it's never good enough." She pauses, then sighs, pressing the palm of her hand to her eye. "I told her I was only letting her know for courtesy's sake, nothing else."
"What did she say?"
"That i was stupid! Daughter lots of men will be lucky to have you, why this man?" See chuckles
"I'm proud of you." They both chuckles, then more seriously.
"Max wants to meet you."
"Why?"
"Because he knows who you are and how important you are to me… He is wonderful See, gets to know him"
"Does he know I don't Iike him?"
"See, please... don't be Serwa Sharpe. Not you. Not you!" She repeats. "He met Benett, you know?"
"Yes, I know, she told me. And she found him very lovely."
"Please, can you think about it?"
"Why do you want me to meet him?"
"Because I love you and I value your opinion... Get along with him See, I do love him."
"As long as he doesn't want to ask for your hand..."
"See! I'm going to hang up if you keep this up..."
"Okay okay sorry! Can I think about it? And from the Airport, check what time your flight lands, give yourself around 30 minutes to pass through immigrations, and you’ll see David"
"No. You can't... I'll let you know the date, time and place. Bye" she said before hanging up the phone and throwing it into the bottom of her bag.
Just as Helen was enjoying the comforts and benefits of British Airways' luxurious lounge, the screen on her phone lit up to show an incoming text message from Max.
Max:Hey, I don't want to bother you at your meetings, but I just want to say that I miss you and can't wait to hug you. 🫂.. only two more days. 💪
Helen : I miss you too. What are your plans for tonight? She was looking forward for further details, Her main concern is to make sure Max doesn't plan on staying late at work.
Max:No plans. Following a traditional meal platter with a good movie and falling asleep with you on the phone.
Helen: Sounds good... let me know if you have any changes. She hears the boarding announcement-
Helen:Gotta go, Love You.❤️
Max:Love you more.💛
An hour and a half later, British Airways lands at Geneva airport with the Mont Blanc in the back. With her suitcase, Helen made her way through the passengers, families waiting for their loved ones and lovers sad to be separated. She sees David, the institute driver that came picked her up. With a smile and some friendly conversation, Helen is in the comfort of the car.
"How's your wife and your newborn David?"
"Oh, good, Dr. Sharpe, they're both doing great. Not as much sleep, but we’re fine."
"Lorelei, right?"
"Yes, Dr. Sharpe."
"What a lovely name," She said, looking at her schedule for the week ahead.
"Thank you so much Dr. Sharpe for these beautiful gifts, we are very grateful by so much kindness."
"Don't thank me David, it's quite normal." David meets Helen’s gaze in the rearview mirror and smiles.
"Where am I taking you, Dr Sharpe?"
"Quai du Mont-Blanc 11, please. And save this address under Dr Goodwin's name, please."
"Of course, Dr Sharpe. We'll be there in twenty-five minutes."
"Wait David, please drop by Ali Haydar restaurant on Lausanne Street. Let me find the location"
"No need, I've already got it, Dr Sharpe. The Turkish restaurant, right? your favorite as well as Professor Ali's. I add this place to your Favorites as well."
When David drops Helen off in front of Max's impressive apartment complex on Mont-Blanc Street, she's both excited and a little stressed. What if he wasn't there? What if she's bothering him? With all these questions in mind, the elevator takes her to PH2. The ding of the elevator and the doors opening brought her back to reality.
She's there, there's no turning back. Oddly, there isn't a single sound in the entire house. She rings twice, then she lightly knocked on the door. Max's sweet voice behind the door reassures her.
"Just a minute," Then the click of the lock. Max looks at her in surprise
"Hey"
"Hey".. she's not moving and she's standing in the doorway.
"What are you doing here?" Helen frowns. Noticing his words, Max scratches the back of his head.
"That's not what I meant... I'm so glad you're here! Come on, don't just stand there." He pulls her inside. As soon as the door closed, Helen is already on him, kissing his lips.
"I came back early, I missed you too much." The bag of food lands on the floor and they don't care...Max already has his hands all over Helen's body, pulling her bag off, then her heels. Helen stops in her tracks, making him groan...
"Wait. Max stops," pushing his face away from her neck. "Luna?".
"What luna?" refusing to stop what he's doing. He's so up her shirt.
"Where's luna?"
"Don't worry, she's with Louise and Emilie."
"But I wanted to see her, I missed her so much."
"Helen, Focus" His mouth back on her, parting her lips with his tongue. "I want you now!"
Helen's smile widened while looking at him. She gripped the collar of his shirt and demanded a kiss. After a peck, she replied, "If you insist." Instantly, Maxs lips met Helen’s, and they started kissing each other greedily.
She starts undoing the buttons of her expensive blouse and he helped her off, smelling her skin satin-smooth and perfumed with an irresistible fragrance, that will leave his skin smelling truly irresistible like hers once their bodies become one flesh...
Max began kissing her shoulders. It takes him like two seconds to unhook her bra, but when he does, what a show. His palm caressing her breast "The truth is, I have been thinking about this all week." His voice runs over every inch of her body with tenderness and love. "You are the salve that soothes my damaged Soul my love" Pulling down the strap of her bra, and as their lips were locked, Max places a hand on each hip, pinning her arms against her legs as he leans forward.
"Your body is meant to be seen, not all covered up," He said, running his tongue through her wetness, getting his first taste of Helen Sharpe in a week. And sweet Jesus. She's just as delicious and glorious as he remembered. She squeaks, squirming as he bury his entire face between her legs. Her body is meant to be worshiped and he is willing to submit to every one of her desires..
Max plans on having her everywhere. He knows every inch of her body, making sure there isn't a single area of her body that's untouched or a spot that isn't his. Helen gasped and wrapped her legs around his waist. More than just that ticklish feeling, she sensed thrilling electricity running down her spine, and she moaned, "Mmmm."
"Mmmm," he teased. A smirk formed on his face as he said, "I like the sound of that." They both fell onto the sheets, his hard member buried deep inside her. Max cums releasing every single seed inside her.
Buried inside Helen, her back facing him, the couple cuddled into sleep. Helen snorted something, soon gave in to exhaustion and shut her eyes. When her phone rings few minutes later, she groaned as she fluttered her eyes open. She grabs her phone and heads out of the room to talk to her friend Benett
A few minutes later, Helen sees Max come out from the room shirtless, his jeans low on his waist revealing the V cut abs. Helen watches him walking towards her, his hair a mess and rubbing his eyes. Her bottom lip pinched between her teeth. If they hadn't just made love twice, she'd be ready for another round.
"Did I wake you up?" "What are you doing here?" They both say at the same time. Then their silence is followed by a giggle.
"No, you didn't " Max says, joining her on the sofa. He lifts her feet from the spot, sits up, then moves her feet onto his lap.
"Let's just say that you being out of bed, kind of got me out of bed too. I missed you." He said, stroking her bare legs. "What are you doing here all alone?"
"I got a call from Benett," she says a little distracted, eyes glued on her phone, smile on her face.
"What is it?" Max asks, tilting his head to see what Helen's looking at.
"Hey... " Helen's hiding her phone. "It's private, stay on your end of the couch." She says with a smile. "This is the video you sent me of Luna and I performing at our private concert in the kitchen." She hands him her phone. "I love it and can't stop watching this. I cannot describe the joy it brings me." Helen gets up from her spot and sits back down next to Max to watch the video with him...
"Look at her, she’s so beautiful and she knows the lyrics."
"You were so cute." Max touches her face, and she flinches. His palm on her cheek, gently cradling her face in his hand.
"Thank you," she said dropping a quick kiss on his cheek "I’m starving."
"What time is it?"
"Nearly 11 p.m. Come and sit down, I grabbed some Turkish food." Max sits on the counter and watches Helen take a plate and two forks.
"I have brought back all your favorites as well as adding new items to the menu. We eat on the same plate, is that ok with you?"
"Of course," Max said, placing a kiss on the side of her head.
"When can we get Luna back?"
"Tomorrow,"
"You said, she’s with Louise and Emilie?
"Her best friends"
"Sisters?"
"Twins… You want to meet them? and their parents as well? "
"If it's ok with you"
"Consider it done. Speaking of Turkish food?"
"What about Turkish food?" Helen asks as she takes a bite of Baklava and thrusts the other piece into Max's mouth.
"You promised to take me there. Do you remember?"
"I remember," she says without taking her eyes off him as she continues to eat the Baklava. She's on her fourth piece.
"When would you like to go?" she asks, licking her fingers full of sugar syrup one by one.
"I thought it might be nice next month, I can take off a few days"
"Will Luna like it? It'll be her birthday, and can't wait to show you guys the places my father and I used to go. " she says excited with shining eyes.
"Luna will be with Gwen on her birthday."
"Without us? I mean you " She's disappointed
"You know how hard I'm trying to avoid Gwen!"
"Yes, but I thought we could spend it together."
"I've already said yes to Gwen and she's taking her to Orlando. Sorry."
"Oh don't be. I know you didn't wait for me to plan things and I can't compete with Mickey."
"Don't be disappointed, we have our whole lives for this. That said, I'm going to have to drop her off."
"How long will you be gone?"
"A few days. I'm due at an event." Helen lifts her eyes from her pastries and looks at him, waiting for him to say more without her having to ask. Max gets up from where he's sitting and goes into his office, coming back a few minutes later with a letter, which he hands to her.
"What's this?" Helen looks at the envelope and already knows precisely what it's about.
"The World Health Organization Recognition Awards."
"Did you know?"
"Hmmm Yes, The institute will receive an award" Helen said without bothering to open the letter, instead, she opens the fridge looking for something to drink.
"When did you find out?"
Coming in presentation of a pack of six units, Helen grabs Luna's juice of the best organic apples, healthy, safe and nutritious.
"See told me few days ago. He's supposed to go with Nazreen… Can I drink this? Max looks at her surprised. Helen doesn't usually drink juice, not to mention pastries. Max refrains himself from saying anything about it.
"Not you?"
"No."
"You can’t skip it,"
"Why not? … and why are you staring at me like that?" Noticing Max's insistent gaze on her,
"I'm surprised, you don't like soft drink. Well, never mind. Why won't you be there?"
"Menses is coming. I don't feel like going to New York."
"Is that the only reason?" wringing his hands anxiously,
"What more reason would you like?"
"Maybe the fact, that the event will take place in the hotel right in front of New Amsterdam? Maybe because our friends will be there?"
"You mean Your friends Max!" She shook her head, her stern mouth shaping the strangest smile. "Wilder and the others will they be there?"
Max chuckles and carefully avoids the question. As he remained silent she felt bound to ask
"Do you still talk to them? Wilder and all of them?" Surprised to feel a twinge of jealousy, which she tries to quickly sweep away, but Max knows her
"Helen-"
"Max -" Her brown eyes remain firmly locked on Max's without batting an eyelash.
"Not much, just a few questions and tips about the board " Standing in front of her, he lifts up her chin for her to look at him and when she puts her eyes in his, what she doesn't say is obvious.
"Helen, there's nothing left between her and me" She tries to lower her head, but he holds her chin, wanting to make sure that what she reads in his eyes is the truth.
"You and your team are about to be honored for your hard work. Work for which millions will be saved, don't let anyone steal this from you. I believe You are most deserving this professional recognition for your successes."
"Oh, I'm proud of it Max, and I know we deserve this recognition" She’s trying to get out of his embrace.
"Stay, I’m talking to you." Helen eyes go wide but she hasn’t moved. "So even if you don't want to attend, please come." Helen said nothing, her gaze never leaving Max's as he keeps going. "Who cares what other people think? I'd be more than pleased to stand up there in front of everybody with you by my side." he says as he brings his lips to her neck,
"Or me by your side, if you prefer, to let people know that you’re mine " wrapping his arms around her hips. "Remember? Just you and me...against the world! Please..."
"Max, I don’t give a fuck about them, I just - "
"Please -" his pouty face and kitten eyes make her flinch. He knows he has to push just a little more and she'll give in.
"Call me or send me your request by mail. I might think twice about it " She giggles.
"If you don't say yes, you know what I'm going to do to you? "
"What?" a mischievous grin that completely covered her face as she took another baklava.
"Well, I know what your weak spot is."
"Really? I doubt that " Helen returns her look with a raised eyebrow and a little insolent smirk, suspecting that his desperation was evident as she steers Max deftly around her crotch.
"You bet?" without waiting, he starts tickling her.
"Okay... okay fine" wiggling her hands in the air. "You won."
"Yes!" He cried, pumping his fist in the air.
"You're so childish..." Max turns around, his back to Helen, bending down slightly.
"What? What's wrong with your back?"
"Climb"
"What? you want me to climb on your back? Are you nuts?"
"Climb" he repeat
"How old are you? Five?"
"You're so stubborn. Spontaneity babe."
"That's not spontaneity, it's called foolishness."
"Just climb"
"No Max." He scoffs.
"Stop mocking me sir." As if trying to prove him wrong, Helen presses down on Max's back to lower him a little more, then climbs onto his back. Max uses his hands as leverage.
"Where are you taking me?"
"To bed."
"I'm not tired."
"Who said it was for sleep?"
"You're so cheeky."
***
Dawn came and Helen felt something big inside of her, moving. She shortly recognized that she and Max were still completely naked.
"Gosh, don't you ever get tired?"
"I never get tired of you. I can’t help it." Helen felt her face burn.
They were spooning, his strong hands around her waist, pushing and feeling her side; Helen lift her leg, giving Max better access
"I love you so much " he whisper.
Their slapping flesh echoed around the room, their erotic voices filled the room, as he exploded into her womb in no time. He comes inside of her and she felt that warm fluid filling her. They spent five minutes kissing and they lay next to each other with both satisfying their desires, cuddling into sleep.
"Almost 9 AM, Time to go get my Munch." Helen says, as she throws the pillow over Max's head to wake him up.
"Gosh, violent! is that any way to wake someone up?" Max says, propping himself up on his elbows and staring on the opposite side of the room with a glance of desires at Helen in her underwear, ready to get dressed.
"I'll have to drop off my suitcase at my flat and pick up a few things. Is it okay if I stay with you for a while?" She crawls between Max's thighs.
"No need to ask. We'll stop by before going to pick Luna up."
"Thank you," biting Max's lower lip. She immediately feels his member harden against her. Making her eyes widen.
"Oh no no," she says, before quickly getting up from Max. "No time for a quickie, take a cold shower, you need it."
"Come on Helen."
"No Max", shaking her head before heading for the kitchen. "Breakfast will be ready in ten minutes."
***
Helen bends down to hug Luna at the sighs of the little girl. After Max had introduced her to William and Soraya the twins’s parents, Luna proudly introduced her mum to her best friends. Back home, the little one rushed to her room to show Helen her drawings for the week.
"That's Daddy," pointing to the bearded man, "that's me, Luna...",
"And who's this?", Helen asks
"This is you, mummy. See, she has the same hair as you and sun-kissed skin like you."
"But Luna darling, why am I …umm how can I say it, why I've got these cheeks and this stomach."
"Well, mummy, because you've got a baby in your tummy!"
"A what?" Helen almost choked on her donut bite.
"A Baby mummy" Luna repeats, rolling her eyes
"Oh." Her eyes widen as she stares at Max. "Did you just roll your eyes at me?"
"Sorry mum. Louise told me if I draw a picture and leave it under my pillow until Christmas, Santa will give me what I want." Max chuckles and at Helen’s gaze, he stops, clearing his throat.
"Luna baby it's not how it works"
"So how does it work? How can I have my baby in mummy's tummy?"
"You want a baby in mummy's tummy? Don't worry, we'll work hard and practice continuously.." Helen leans back and elbow him in the sternum.. Max sneers as he places a kiss on her lips.
"Mummy! Daddy! Can I get a kiss too?" Lu asked, inserting herself between her parents. They laughed before moving the little one between them. They both take turns pecking her cheeks and wound up tickling her too. Laughter filled the air within the room and their eyes gleamed in cheer.
And suddenly, they're interrupted a phone starts buzzing.
"Yours or mine?" Max asks
"Yours," Helen replies as she keeps Luna in her arms. He moves as he picks up. When Max turned to them, he reported, "I have an emergency at WHO."
"Is everything okay? "
"I don’t know, but they need me"
"Go," Helen said.
"Sorry. Are you sure this is okay?"
"Yes. Relax, we'll be fine." Max leans over to place a kiss in luna's hair. "Thank you," he says, before taking Helen by the waist and kissing her.
"Disgusting" Luna covers her eyes
"But not illegal. Have fun with mummy. Be nice"
"I will Daddy" Max waves his hand before heading to the door. Helen then turned to Luna and declared, "I guess I'm going on a date with my Munch. "
"Date with me?" Luna asked, turning to Helen with her big blue eyes.
"Just you and me, Lu. What do you think? Luna shakes her head up and down energetically.
"What ladies do?" Helen asked.
"Ice cream and shopping and dolls and nails! " the little one announced.
They had just finished the first on the ladies’s list, and Lu was eager to accomplish the next. She made a vocal list on her tablet. Helen checked the first one, which was ice cream, then went to the next. "Shopping! "
In the next hour, they head off to a nearby mall. Luna also tended to run like the wind when she was overly excited after lots of sugar. Helen needed a second runner to chase after her daughter from time to time.
At two in the afternoon, Max was still not finished. Thus, after a late lunch, they both watched a cartoon about fairy and princess together. Lu was thrilled, and all Helen saw was the joy in Luna’s eyes. To her, her little girl's expression was more entertaining than the cartoon.
While on the road to get Max at WHO, Helen noticed how Luna was fixed on her tablet, happily updating her voice list. From where she sat, Helen could not see clearly what Luna was up to. She asked, "We completed some of your lists Munch? " Lu turned to her and chuckled and replied, "Mummy, this list is different."
Leaning back, Helen replied, "A different list?" Luna gave her the tablet.
Things to do with mummy : Helen pressed start.
Ask mummy to take me to school.
Show mummy to my friends and teachers.
Ask Daddy to join the school's family day with Mummy.
Ask mummy to watch my recital.
going to the beach with mummy
After reading the new list, Helen stopped breathing altogether. She had to take deep breaths and sniff her tears away before smiling at Lu.
"When did you make this list my dear?"
"When you came home"
"I will give up anything to do this with you." Luna reflected a bright smile and said,
"Really, mummy?"
"I'll be there. I'll take you to school, not every day, but I promise on some days, I will. You can introduce me to your classmates and friends, including
your teachers." Helen swore, sniffing more of her tears away. "Come here."
Luna excitedly hugged her mum and Helen hugged her tightly, saying, "I'm not going anywhere. I'll be here. I love you,."
"I love you too, mummy," Luna replied.
The rest of the drive to WHO was an emotional one for Helen. She missed so many months with her little girl, she vowed to make up for it every day.