Offered as a sacrifice

“Baby, I love you!”

I heard Lucio say as he showered me with endless kisses that made my eyes roll back in pleasure. The kiss was slow and gentle as he moved from the crook of my neck to my shoulders.

I felt the spark surge through my body as he deepened the kiss, and the urge to run my hands through his jet-black hair to feel the softness. Unable to resist the desire to ruffle the neatly groomed hair, I ran my fingers through his hair before moving to his sturdy chest, which made him groan in pleasure.

“I love you, babe.”

I answered as I enjoyed the feel of his arms around my body. I snuggled into him as I wrapped my hands around his neck and deepened the kiss.

“Hmmm!”

“I am eager to have you scream my name with pleasure when I take you to the pinnacle of ecstasy.”

Lucio said in a hushed voice as he continued to kiss the crook of my neck while running his hands over my body.

“Lucio.”

“We cannot do this.”

I said, stopping his calloused hands from sinking lower to my waist.

But why, baby?

Lucio asked, not pleased with my request.

I could feel the tightening of his pants as his member pressed tightly against my stomach. Even though I am still a virgin, I have read enough books to know what he was aiming for.

I love Lucio, but I was not ready to take this route with him, especially after receiving the shocking news two weeks ago.

“Arrgh!”

Lucio groaned in annoyance.

“It has been a year, dammit!”

Lucio roared as he pushed me off his lap in anger.

His outburst alarmed me, as we had agreed to wait until we were married at the beginning of our relationship.

Lucio! We have discussed this before, and you agreed to wait till I was ready.

I opposed, alarmed by his outburst.

“But it has been a year, and you will not let me touch you. It is driving me insane, Julian.”

Lucio stated, exasperated.

He threw his hands in the air and ruffled his hair while pacing the room, seemingly frustrated with the situation.

Lucio, you know I love you, but I am not ready to give myself to you until we get married. Please be a little more understanding.

Juliana pleaded.

I have my challenges too, but I was trying my best to make the relationship work, even at the risk of losing everything. Tears streamed down my cheeks as all my suppressed emotions bubbled to the surface. I held onto his shirt, hoping he would see the turmoil in my eyes. But Lucio was blinded by his anger.

Lucio yanked my hand from his shirt, making my eyes widen in disbelief since he had never behaved this way. He walked to the sofa on the other side of the room and took his coat from the armrest.

I need some time -

I pleaded, but Lucio was indifferent to my pleas as he walked out, slamming the door shut behind him.

I felt a tightening in my chest that restricted airflow into my lungs, causing my eyes to blur. I found it difficult to breathe and crumpled on the floor in tears as my world came crashing down. I was free and happy as a bird ready to soar across the globe with Lucio before the shocking news of my supposed marriage to the demon prince.

Lucio, forgive me.

I cannot tell you the truth right now because it will completely shatter your heart and endanger your life.

I cannot give myself to you until I am free from Damon.

I cried while hyperventilating because there was no one I could turn to apart from Lucio, who had been by my side since we were teenagers.

“Are you okay?”

Maria asked, rushing over to my side with a panicked expression.

Seeing me clenching my chest and gasping for air, she brought an inhaler from her apron and put it in my mouth while patting my back to calm my nerves.

“Calm down, child.”

“It is going to be okay.”

Maria reassured me in her motherly tone.

I took two puffs from the inhaler and could feel myself regaining composure. Maria scampered to the kitchen to get me a glass of water as I went into a coughing fit.

“What happened, Juliana?”

“Maria, Lucio is angry with me.”

“But why?”

Maria asked, amused.

“You were both snuggled up on the couch when I returned from the market.”

Maria said as she took the cup from my hands and placed it on the glass center table.

“He wants to - umm - he wants to get intimate.”

I shuttered.

Maria gazed at me in disbelief before offering her hand to help me to my feet. I attempted to make my way to the couch, but I stumbled, and before I could steady myself, I found myself back on the floor.

Silence filled the room as Maria got pillows from the room to support my back. Tears welled in my eyes as I knew the answer to my question, but was too adamant to admit it.

Her silence spoke volumes, but I still needed to hear the uncomfortable truth that triggered my asthmatic condition.

“Maria.”

I called and held her hands before she scurried out of the living room.

“Please say something.”

I pleaded, wanting to hear what my heart longed for even when I knew the risk involved.

Maria has been working for my family since I was eight years old; she filled the void I felt and paid attention to my every need since the tragic death of my parent.

Maria looked at me and caressed my face.

“Child, you should tell Lucio the truth before this situation becomes messier than it is.”

Maria said while rubbing her palms against mine to ease the pain of her words.

“You know Damon is obsessed with you and would not hesitate to hurt Lucio if he sees him as a threat standing in his way.”

Maria said, with concern lacing her tone.

“But I love Lucio,”

I protested.

“Then you will tell him the truth and break up with him for his good if you love him.”

She stared with pitiful eyes before leaving me alone with my thoughts.