Next moment she flinched, Vivan's hand made his way to her b.u.t.t again.

She finally caught the sparkle in his eyes.

Enough!

Sending daggers at the man, Ira in a fierce cold voice asked, "Do you want me to break your other leg?"

Ira squeezed the wiggly thing tight in her hand "Or this... third... leg?" as she said, hanging on every word spoken.

Feeling the cold atmosphere, he pulled back his hand in panic.

What break?

"Choose."

"Wife, you can't," he pleaded.

"Didn't you promise? It's your duty?"

His eyes are pure black and brighter under warm light. But that look marked some grievances and some sadness.

"What duty?"

With some uncertainity he whispered: "The obligation to meet the needs of the other half."

Ira stamped her feet to the washroom. After emptying the handheld urinal, she approached him.

And slammed her fist at his other leg.

Before it could reach him, he wailed, "Don't. You didn't wash your hands?"

"Shameless pervert."

She had never seen this side of him. Was he bullying her?

From where did this man learn to be so... Quick-witted. No so... shameless!

"Sleep." She turned her back to him and walked away.

"Sorry," he muttered. Her expression softened before hearing him speak more "You can still touch me with those dirty hands..."

"You."

She washed her hands clean and dipped on the sofa.

"I was teasing you. Don't be mad."

In fact the anger was a mask concealing her embaressment.

"Okay," She walked towards him and ducked him in sheets. "Sleep. It's late."

As she turned around, he held her hand. "How about a good night, kiss?"

She bowed and printed her lips on his forehead. Lovingly caressed his hair. She said, "Good night."

If anyone knew Ira, she wouldn't take a loss. But she was already on the losing side!

The two after experiencing the storm laid back in their bed.

The private ward Vivan was admitted was no less than a hotel room. It had all the facilities from TV, refrigerator and a large sofa.

Probably the day drained her emotionally and physically. She yawned and fell in sleep just as she slumped on the sofa.

The beauty got chubbier as days pa.s.sed. Now her b.u.mp was much more visible. Even though it was only the fourth month, she looked six.

With regret, he had to accept that he didn't put the right efforts in this relations.h.i.+p.

It was a fact that his male ego stopped him from asking her directly, "Why don't you like me?" Ira never hid the distaste she held for him.

He stubbornly believed one day she would fall in love with him.

He craved her presence, her trust but most importantly, her respect.

Can I be more understanding? Can I be more caring and sensitive? Can I take more responsibility for helping her feel safer and supportive?

Instead of working hard at being a better man and husband, he worked to make a name for himself for the last three years.

He wanted the woman to appreciate him, to be proud of him. But he forgot this woman was tender on the inside like others and merely needed a few warm words.

So this time he decided to throw caution to the wind.