Chapter 21
SHANE
I end up crashing against the wall behind me, as he never stops his steps. I have to stretch my neck back to look him in the face.
-Does the name Ana ring a bell? Because from what I saw last night, that woman was making it very clear that you two have something going on.
-We don’t have anything. We might have had something in the past, but not now.
-So she was a fling.
-You could say that. Ana is a woman who isn’t looking for anything serious with any man. She’ll settle down when the time is right.
Liam looks me straight in the eyes, and I get lost in those blue depths that hypnotize me, feeling that, strangely, he is telling me the truth. I can’t help but feel the connection between us; it’s too strong to ignore. By instinct, I place my palm on his chest and feel his heart beating in sync with mine. It’s crazy, I know, but it’s also wonderful.
-I just want to be with you, Shane. Just give me a chance.
-Is all this because I rejected you? Because I ran away the first time? Are you planning to make me do the same thing again?
Liam smiles, and my stomach tightens. He’s really beautiful.
-You’re quite the clever little wolf. Once you give me that chance, I have no intention of letting you go.
My heart decides to race at that very moment, and I’m sure he can hear it. I feel a whirlwind of butterflies in my stomach as he tilts his head, moving closer and closer. I can feel his breath brushing against my lips, and there’s a silent question in his gaze. I know what he wants, I know what I want.
-Yes. -I can barely whisper, and he’s already on me, placing his soft lips against mine, kissing me with such devotion and fervor that I drop the folders to the ground. I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him even closer to me. His tongue invades my mouth, and together, we engage in a war of demonstration and domination.
I kiss him the way I’ve wished to since I met him, and this time I find myself completely sober, enjoying every second of the kiss he gives me, our warmth intertwining. His soft, wet lips devouring me, his taste so sweet and exquisite. It feels like the best nectar I’ve ever tasted.
The world around me fades away in that moment, as if we were the only ones existing in a parallel universe where worries and insecurities don’t fit. Liam’s embrace is firm and protective, and I feel more alive than ever as he gives himself completely to the kiss.
His hands roam my back, tracing paths of fire over the fabric of my dress. Each touch makes my skin tingle, my senses sharpen. For a moment, I forget the nausea and anxiety of breakfast, even forgetting that I’m in his mother’s house. It’s just him and me, trapped in this corner of the world where time doesn’t seem to pass.
When we finally pull apart, we both breathe heavily, the need for oxygen filling the air between us. My lips still hum with the echo of his kiss, and when I look at him, I find his eyes filled with desire and determination.
-I can’t believe this is happening -I mumble, still overwhelmed by the emotions surging through me-, I still can’t shake the feeling that this is a dream I could wake up from at any moment.
-It’s not a dream, Shane. -His voice is soft, intense-. I want this to be real. I want you to know that I’m here for you, only for you.
My thoughts rush in like a torrent; logic struggles to break through while emotion takes control. In the back of my mind, a voice warns me, reminding me of the complications that come with this type of attraction. But at the same time, my heart whispers that maybe, just maybe, it’s time to set aside the fear.
-What if this doesn’t work? -I ask, my voice trembling with a mix of hope and vulnerability-. What if one day we decide that we don’t want the same thing?
Liam moves closer, and I can feel his warmth, that warmth that wraps around me like a blanket. His expression softens, and I can see the sincerity in his eyes.
-You’re more than I ever wanted. So for me, that doubt will never exist. Life is too short not to take risks, Shane. You’ll never find what you want if you don’t allow yourself to seek it.
Logic dissipates a little more with each word he speaks. His gaze penetrates me, each spark of burning desire awakening something inside me I thought was asleep. I have to set aside my worries… for once in my life, I must allow myself to feel.
-So what do you propose? -I ask, taking a step back, allowing the cold air to brush against my skin. The distance I create between us is almost symbolic, a silent warning: I’m not ready to lose myself completely.
-I propose we give ourselves the chance to get to know each other better -he replies, taking a step forward, shortening the distance. His smile is comforting, but there’s a mischievous spark in his gaze that urges me to continue-. You don’t have to worry about Ana or what it could be. We just need to look at each other and decide what to do with this desire.
-that sounds… complicated. -I say, trying to make light of the situation. But deep down, I know he’s right. Complications bring the possibility of love, and that resonates deeply within me.
-Complication can be exciting. Just imagine the possibilities, the surprises… -looking at me seductively, he pulls me in closer and caresses my cheek-. It would be a journey, and I would love to travel it with you.
His proposal spins around in my mind. The idea of leaving everything behind and throwing myself into the unknown seduces me, calls to me. But there’s still a small hint of fear in my heart, and a part of me doesn’t want to get hurt.