Aurora’s POV
“Please stay,” I told Ryan.
The words left my mouth before I could stop them. My voice was soft, almost pleading, but I didn’t care how it sounded. The thought of being alone at this moment made my chest tighten.
He didn’t hesitate. Without a word, he moved to the bed and sat down, his gaze steady and comforting. His smile was warm, reassuring, and it did something to the knot of fear twisting inside me.
I returned his smile, even though mine felt shaky. Gathering my clothes, I slipped into the bathroom.
As I closed the door behind me, I could still feel his eyes on my back, like a gentle weight I didn’t mind carrying.
Once inside, I leaned against the door and let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. My heart was racing, not just because of what had happened with Craig but because of Ryan.
We kissed.
The memory of his lips on mine was vivid, the way his hands gently cupped my face, the heat of the moment. I raised trembling fingers to my lips as if I could still feel the warmth of his kiss there.
He was my first kiss.
The thought made my cheeks flush, and I shook my head, trying to focus. I turned on the shower, letting the steam fill the small space as I undressed. The water hit my skin, and I closed my eyes, trying to wash away the fear, the lingering touch of Craig’s hands, the way his cruel smile haunted me.
But instead of those dark memories, my mind kept drifting back to Ryan.
His protectiveness, his strength, and the way he looked at me like I was the only person in the room.
It made my stomach flutter.
I lathered soap over my arms and shoulders, trying to ignore the warm ache in my chest. But as my hands moved, I couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss, the spark, the heat, the way it had made me feel alive in a way I never had before. My skin tingled at the memory.
Stop it, Aurora. He’s your boss.
I know he is my boss but I was shameless enough not to stop. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath, letting the warm water cascade over my body.
I imagined Ryna standing behind me, his strong hands caressing my breasts, pinching my nipples.
My fingers teased their way along the curve of my breast, tracing an invisible pattern over my soft skin.
I let my head fall backwards, the sensation was too much to handle. I needed someone for the first time in
my life. No, I needed RYAN.
My hands glided down too slowly to my clitoris. The touch was slow at first, but I started rubbing my clits faster and faster. I’ve never experienced this before but the feeling was magnificent.
I couldn’t help the moan that escaped my lips, I was about to explode with something when I heard a knock that scared the shit out of me.
“Aurora, are you okay?” Ryan’s voice was muffled but filled with concern.
“Yes! I’m fine,” I called out, my voice a little too loud. “I’ll be out in a minute.”
I took a deep breath, steadied myself, wiped off my wet skin, wore my clothes and opened the door.
Ryan was standing right there, his tall frame leaning casually against the wall. His eyes softened as they met mine. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
I nodded, offering a small smile. “Yeah. I’m good.”
He didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t press further. Instead, he stepped aside to let me pass.
“Thank you for staying,” I whispered, avoiding his gaze as I sat down on the edge of the bed.
“Always,” he said, his voice firm yet gentle.
I sat on the edge of the bed, trying to compose myself. Ryan’s gaze was still fixed on me, intense and unwavering, as though he was searching for something hidden in my expression.
“What’s the matter, Ryan?” I asked softly, my voice betraying my unease.
He tilted his head, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Spill it, Ryan? Spill what?”
“Whatever you’re thinking about,” I pressed, crossing my arms to hide the nervous tremble in my hands.
“Are you sure you want to know, Aurora?” His tone was teasing, almost playful, but there was something deeper in his voice that made my pulse quicken.
“Yes, I want to know,” I said firmly, though my confidence was slipping with each passing second.
“I heard you, Aurora.”
The way he said it was calm, matter-of-fact, it made my stomach drop.
“You heard me?” I repeated, confused. “What are you talking about?”
He leaned closer, his eyes gleaming with something I couldn’t quite place. “In the bathroom. I heard you.”
The realization hit me like a wave, and my entire body froze. Heat rushed to my face as I stared at him, wide-eyed.
The air between us felt heavy, suffocating. I wanted to speak, to deny it, to explain it away, but my voice was caught somewhere between my heart and my throat.
“It’s nothing like that,” I finally blurted out, my voice shaky but defiant. “You must’ve heard wrong.”
Ryan’s brow arched, his smirk widening just a fraction. “Were you thinking about me?”
I could feel the intensity of his gaze, as if he was daring me to lie.
“No,” I lied weakly, turning my head away from him. My cheeks burned hotter with every passing second.
“Tell me the truth, Aurora,” he murmured, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. He reached out, his fingers lightly brushing against my neck, sending a shiver down my spine.
I closed my eyes, unable to meet his. The warmth of his touch was intoxicating, and I hated how much I wanted more. “Yes,” I finally admitted, barely louder than a whisper.
“Yes, I was thinking about you.”
The confession hung in the air, and for a moment, I wished I could take it back. What would he think of me now? Would he judge me? Pity me?
“Good,” he said simply, his tone calm and steady.
I blinked, opening my eyes to stare at him. “Good?”
“Yes,” he repeated, his smirk softening into something more serious. “Because if it had been anyone else, I don’t know what I would’ve done. I might’ve killed him.”
“Why?” The word slipped out before I could stop it.
“Because you’re mine, Aurora.”
My breath hitched at his words. There was no hesitation in his voice, no room for argument. He said it like it was the most natural thing in the world, as if I had always belonged to him.
“Why did you kiss me?” I asked, my voice trembling.
“I couldn’t help myself,” he admitted, his eyes locking with mine.
I tried to look away, but his words pulled me back. “Do you always ask the men who kiss you why they do it?” he added teasingly.
His question made my cheeks burn even hotter. “You’re my first kiss,” I said quietly, barely loud enough for him to hear.
His expression shifted instantly. His jaw tightened, his eyes darkened, and I could feel the possessiveness radiating from him.
“You’re my first kiss,” I repeated, forcing myself to look up at him. “Does that mean anything to you?”
“More than you’ll ever know,” he said, his voice softer now but no less intense.
The silence stretched between us, heavy with unspoken words.
“Can I ask you something personal, Aurora?”
His question made my heart skip a beat. “Yes,” I said, bracing myself.
He took a deep breath, his eyes searching mine. “Have you never been touched before?”
“What?” The question startled me.
“I mean…” He hesitated, running a hand through his hair. “Are you a virgin, Aurora?”