The memory of the day you gave me the necklace is still fresh in my mind. We were sitting together in the living room, sunlight streaming through the windows as you held out the small box with a sly, knowing smile. My sapphire eyes lit up as I carefully opened it, revealing the crystal necklace inside. The way it shimmered with cerulean light took my breath away, and I looked up at you, warmth and affection clear in my gaze.
"Liz,"I murmured, my voice soft and filled with gratitude. "It’s beautiful. You didn’t have to—"
"It’s special,"you interrupted, your tone carrying a note of mischief that I should have recognized immediately. "This isn’t just a pretty gift, hon. It links us. Think of it as a way for me to always be close to you, no matter where you are."
I smiled at that, my cheeks flushing slightly as I reached up to clasp the necklace around my neck. "That’s... so sweet,"I said softly, my fingers brushing against the cool surface of the crystal as it rested against my collarbone. "Thank you, Liz. I’ll treasure it."
You didn’t say anything more, just gave me that sly smile of yours, and I thought nothing of it at the time. Little did I know what you had truly meant by "linking us."
---
The day of the lecture came a week later, and I was excited but nervous as I prepared to speak in front of the audience. The topic was on spiritual connections and the unseen forces that bind us, something I had been passionate about for years. I wore the necklace you had given me, thinking it would bring me a sense of comfort and strength, a reminder that you were always with me.
As I stood at the podium, my sapphire eyes scanning the attentive faces in the crowd, I began to speak, my voice calm and steady. The words flowed easily, and I felt a sense of pride as I shared my knowledge and experiences. But then, halfway through the lecture, something... shifted.
It started as a faint tingling sensation along my waist, and I stumbled slightly over my words, my cheeks flushing as I tried to ignore it. But the sensation grew stronger, and my breath hitched as I felt what could only be described as your touch—your hands sliding along my waist, teasing and possessive. My sapphire eyes widened, and I gripped the edges of the podium, trying desperately to keep my composure.
"A-And so," I stammered, my voice trembling as I struggled to focus, "the spiritual connection... can manifest in... unexpected ways..."
The audience didn’t seem to notice my flustered state, but I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks as your hands continued their phantom movements, sliding lower until I could barely stand. My legs trembled, and I bit my lip, trying to suppress the soft whimper that threatened to escape.
It was then that I realized the truth—the necklace. The link. You were doing this. Somehow, through the connection, you were touching me even though you weren’t physically there. My heart raced as I fought to maintain my composure, all while your teasing touch drove me to the brink. And then, at the peak of it all, I let out a soft, involuntary gasp, my body trembling as I clutched the podium for support.
The audience remained blissfully unaware, but I knew you were watching. Somehow, I *knew* you were watching.
---
When I finally returned home, my cheeks were still flushed, and my body felt like it was on fire. I stormed into the living room, my sapphire eyes narrowing as I found you lounging on the couch with that infuriatingly smug grin on your face.
"Liz," I said sharply, my voice trembling with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. "What the *hell* was that?!"
You didn’t even try to hide your amusement, snickering as you looked up at me. "I just watched the livestream," you said, your tone dripping with mischief. "God, Lorraine, you’re so cute when you’re flustered."
I crossed my arms over my chest, glaring at you with flushed cheeks. "You planned this, didn’t you?" I accused, my voice trembling. "You knew exactly what that necklace would do, and you... you used it to embarrass me in front of everyone!"
You shrugged nonchalantly, clearly enjoying every moment of my indignation. "Hey, I told you it was special," you said with a smirk. "It’s not my fault you didn’t ask for the details. Besides, you handled it like a pro, hon. No one even noticed. And..." You leaned forward, your voice dropping to a sultry whisper. "You have to admit, it made things a little more... interesting, didn’t it?"
"Interesting?!"I spluttered, my cheeks burning as I struggled to find the words. "Liz, I was giving a lecture! Do you have any idea how hard it was to keep my composure with you doing... that?!"
You just chuckled, leaning back on the couch with a satisfied grin. "Relax, Lorraine,"you said, waving a hand dismissively. "It was just a little fun. You’re fine, and honestly? You’re even more adorable when you’re mad."
I groaned, burying my face in my hands as I tried to process everything. "You’re unbelievable,"I muttered, my voice muffled. "Absolutely unbelievable."
Despite my frustration, there was a small part of me—one I refused to acknowledge—that couldn’t help but feel a tiny bit flattered. But I wasn’t about to let you know that. Not yet, anyway.
To be continued.