Dimas groaned as he rolled over in the empty bed, the cool sheets a stark contrast to the warmth that Artem's body usually provided. He cracked open one eye and glanced at the clock, cursing under his breath as he saw that it was already 7:30. Artem had left for work over an hour ago, and Dimas had been so exhausted from their lovemaking the night before that he hadn't even stirred.
He stretched lazily, his hand brushing against the evidence of his arousal. He sighed, closing his eyes as he began to touch himself, thinking of Artem's skilled hands and the way she knew exactly how to touch him to drive him wild.
His phone rang, pulling him out of his reverie. He grabbed it, answering with a gruff "hello".
"Good morning, sunshine," Artem's voice was cheerful, and Dimas couldn't help but feel a twinge of frustration.
"You could have woken me up," he grumbled, his hand still moving rhythmically beneath the sheets.
"I thought you needed the sleep," Artem replied, her tone teasing. "Besides, I have a lot of work to do today."
Dimas' frustration turned to anger. "Of course you do," he snapped. "You always have work to do. You never have time for me."
There was a pause on the other end of the line. "That's not true," Artem said softly. "I always make time for you, Dimas. You know that."
Dimas didn't respond, his jaw clenched as he tried to control his temper.
"I was thinking, maybe you could come home for lunch?" Artem suggested, her voice hopeful.
Dimas shook his head, even though she couldn't see him. "I have plans," he lied.
"Oh," Artem sounded disappointed. "Well, have a good day then. I'll see you tonight."
Dimas hung up, throwing the phone onto the bed. He lay there for a moment, his anger simmering just below the surface. He couldn't believe that Artem had left him alone again. He felt frustrated and horny, and he knew that he needed to do something about it.
He got out of bed, pulling on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. He grabbed his keys and wallet, and headed out the door. He didn't know where he was going, but he knew that he needed to get out of the apartment.
He walked for a few blocks, his mind racing with thoughts of Artem. He couldn't believe that she had chosen work over him again. He felt a pang of guilt as he remembered the way he had treated her on the phone, but he couldn't help the way he felt.
He turned the corner and saw the neon sign of a bar up ahead. He quickened his pace, feeling drawn to the promise of alcohol and the possibility of finding someone to take his mind off of Artem.
He pushed open the door, the noise and heat of the bar hitting him like a wave. He made his way to the bar, ordering a whiskey neat. He downed it in one shot, feeling the burn as it traveled down his throat.
"Rough morning?" a voice asked from beside him.
Dimas turned to see a man, a few years older than him, with dark hair and piercing blue eyes. He recognized him as one of Artem's classmates, Vlad.
"Something like that," Dimas replied, signaling for another drink.
Vlad leaned closer, his voice low and seductive. "I know a way to make it better."
Dimas raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh yeah? How's that?"
Vlad grinned, his teeth white against his tanned skin. "Come back to my place and let me show you."
Dimas hesitated for a moment, but then he nodded. He finished his drink, following Vlad out of the bar and back to his apartment.
The sex was rough and unsatisfying, Dimas' mind still on Artem even as Vlad's hands roamed over his body. He kept calling out Artem's name, his guilt and longing mixing with his desire.
Afterward, he lay there, his body slick with sweat and his heart heavy with regret. Vlad lay beside him, his hand idly tracing patterns on Dimas' chest.
"I'm sorry," Dimas whispered, his voice hoarse.
Vlad looked at him, his expression sympathetic. "It's okay," he said softly. "I know how it is. Artem can be a hard woman to forget."
Dimas felt a lump form in his throat as he thought of Artem, her face and her voice clear in his mind. He knew that he needed to talk to her, to confess everything and beg for her forgiveness.
He got up, pulling on his clothes. "I have to go," he said, his voice shaking.
Vlad nodded, understanding. "Good luck," he said, his tone sincere.
Dimas left the apartment, his heart racing as he hailed a cab. He gave the driver Artem's office address, his mind focused on the conversation that was about to take place.
He arrived at the office a few minutes later, his nerves on edge. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come.
He walked through the doors, his eyes scanning the room until he saw Artem. She was sitting at her desk, her head bent over a stack of papers.
He approached her, his heart pounding in his chest. "Artem," he said, his voice shaking.
She looked up, her expression wary. "Dimas," she replied, her tone cautious.
"I need to talk to you," Dimas said, his voice urgent. "I need to tell you something."
Artem stood up, her eyes never leaving his. "Okay," she said softly. "Go ahead."
Dimas took a deep breath, his eyes filling with tears as he began to speak. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice breaking. "I'm so sorry, Artem. I didn't mean to hurt you. I didn't mean to cheat on you. I just... I missed you. I needed you. And I couldn't wait until lunch to see you. I know that's no excuse, but it's the truth. I'm so sorry."
Artem took a step closer, her expression softening. "It's okay," she said, her voice gentle. "I understand. I know that we've been busy lately. I know that we haven't been spending as much time together as we used to. And I'm sorry for that too. I'll make more of an effort, I promise."
Dimas felt a weight lift off of his shoulders as he heard Artem's words. He took a step closer, his arms wrapping around her as he buried his face in her neck.
"Thank you," he whispered, his voice muffled.
Artem's arms wrapped around him, holding him close. "It's okay," she repeated, her voice soothing. "We'll figure it out. We'll make it work."
Dimas felt a surge of love and gratitude as he held Artem in his arms. He knew that they still had a lot to talk about, but for now, he was just happy to be with her.
He pulled back, looking into Artem's eyes. "I love you," he said, his voice firm.
Artem smiled, her eyes shining with tears. "I love you too," she replied, her voice filled with emotion.
Dimas leaned in, pressing his lips to Artem's in a gentle kiss. He knew that they still had a lot of work to do, but for now, he was just happy to be with the woman he loved.
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