The evening passed quietly.
Reyansh returned home a little earlier than usual, and the faint aroma of dinner greeted him the moment he entered. Arina stood by the dining table, arranging the plates with her usual grace. When she saw him, a soft smile curved her lips.
They ate together in calm silence, speaking between bites about the little things — his day at work, the bakery, the new decorations she had chosen.
"How was your shopping?" Reyansh asked, his tone casual as he poured himself some water.
"It was good," Arina replied, her eyes briefly meeting his. "I bought some things for the bakery… and also a gift for you."
He lifted a brow slightly. "A gift? What is it?"
She smiled faintly. "I'll give it to you after dinner."
Reyansh didn't press further, but something about her tone — the small spark in her eyes — stayed with him.
Later, when he entered their room, his steps slowed.
Arina had changed into a silk nightdress, soft and elegant — modest, yet carrying a quiet allure that reflected her effort. Her hair fell loosely over her shoulders, framing her face delicately.
Reyansh stood still for a moment, simply watching her. "You look… different tonight," he said at last, his voice low.
Arina turned to him with a faint, shy smile. "Do you like it?"
Instead of replying, Reyansh crossed the space between them, took her gently by the waist, and kissed her.
For a heartbeat, Arina froze — startled, nervous — then her arms slowly rose to circle his neck, returning the kiss clumsily, but with sincerity. When he pulled back, she was breathless. Her cheeks were flushed, and her lips trembled softly.
Reyansh looked at her for a long moment, then cupped her face again, his thumb brushing her cheek. He kissed her once more — slower this time, gentler, almost deliberate. When they parted, she hid her face against his chest, her breath uneven.
He smiled faintly. "Is this my gift?" he asked, his voice teasing but deep.
She shook her head against him before whispering, "No."
Pulling away, she walked to the bedside table where a small gift bag waited. Her fingers trembled slightly as she picked it up and handed it to him. Reyansh took it, opened it — and his eyes softened at what he saw.
Inside lay a pair of watches — elegant, identical, bound by design.
Arina looked up at him, waiting. "Do you like it?" she asked eagerly.
Reyansh glanced at her, then at the watches, and a slow smile touched his lips. "I really like it," he said.
Her face lit up. "Wear it once. I want to see."
He slipped the watch onto his wrist. Then, without a word, he took her hand gently and made her wear the other one. Arina's heart fluttered as she looked at their wrists — the matching watches glinting softly under the light. She traced his hand with her fingers, a small, content smile appearing on her lips.
Reyansh's gaze didn't leave her face. His expression softened — and then darkened, just slightly. "I like your gift," he said again, but his tone carried a shadow beneath the warmth.
Before she could speak, he moved closer, his hand sliding to her waist. He bent his head, his lips brushing against her neck — and then biting softly, followed by a teasing nibble that made her breath hitch.
Arina's fingers fisted the fabric of his shirt as her body trembled lightly. He stayed there for a second, his breath warm against her skin, before pulling her back into his arms.
The silence that followed was tender, heavy, filled with something unspoken.
After a while, Reyansh stepped back slightly and looked at her neck where his teeth had marked her skin. His thumb circled over the spot gently. "Does it hurt?" he asked quietly.
Her eyes fluttered shut, her voice unsteady. "No… it doesn't."
He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Good. Rest now."
Together, they removed the watches and placed them carefully back into the box.
"I'll wear it tomorrow," Reyansh said softly.
Arina nodded. "Okay."
When they lay down, Reyansh pulled her into his arms — not out of habit, but by his own choice this time. His hold was firm, possessive yet comforting.
Arina rested her head against his chest, whispering, "Goodnight, Reyansh."
He didn't reply for a moment. His hand brushed through her hair slowly before murmuring, "Goodnight."
And as the lights dimmed, both drifted into silence — their hearts beating in the same rhythm, unaware that love and possession had already begun to blur.
---
In his arms, even silence learned to breathe.