AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Are you sure about this?” His voice is a gentle whisper, full of hesitation and vulnerability I’ve never heard before.
“More than I’ve ever been about anything.”
It’s not completely true. I’m terrified of what this might mean for our friendship, but the desire flowing between us is undeniable.
Felix nods, the corners of his mouth twitching into a small, unsure smile. He reaches out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear, his touch sending desire coursing through me. His eyes meet mine, and in them I see a reflection of my own insecurities and doubts, but also a smoldering warmth with promises of things to come.
“We can’t go back after this, you know,” he whispers, his voice hoarse.
“I don’t want to go back,” I reply softly. “I want to move forward… with you.”
Our eyes lock, a silent understanding passing between us. We’ve crossed a line and stepped into uncharted territories where the stakes are impossibly high. And yet, the pull towards each other is too strong to resist any longer.
He takes a deep breath before leaning in and capturing my lips with his once more. This time, there’s no hesitation. The kiss is heated and passionate, filled with all the pent-up emotions we’ve been holding back for weeks.
The next thing I know, I’m in Felix’s arms. He’s carrying me towards my bedroom, towards an uncertain future that we didn’t plan.
But I no longer care. We’ve crossed that line, and wild horses couldn’t drag me back over it.
CHAPTER 16
FELIX
The calling of a bird wakes me up. I blink my eyes open and find myself lying next to Lily, her dark blond hair spilling over the pillow like a silken waterfall. She breathes softly, her chest rising and falling in the rhythm of sleep.
“What have I done?” I whisper under my breath as it all comes back to me.
Last night was incredible — passionate and tender all at once. I want more of her, every inch, but I can’t. I don’t do relationships, and we were clear from the start that this is just a business agreement between friends, nothing more.
I slip out of the bed, careful not to disturb her. The cold floor beneath my feet is a stark contrast to the warmth of her body, and I shiver involuntarily. I locate my clothes strewn about the room, evidence of our frenzied desire. As I dress, I steal glances at her sleeping form, feeling an ache in my chest that I know doesn’t belong there.
“Get a grip,” I mutter to myself as I button my shirt. “This changes nothing.”
But even as I say it, I know it’s not true. My heart races at the memory of her touch, her taste. I thought I could keep my feelings for her at bay, but now they threaten to consume me.
With one last look at her peaceful face, I tiptoe out of the room and make my way downstairs. The house is still, our whiskey glasses from last night on the coffee table. I grab my keys from the counter and step outside, eager to leave the house but not having a clue as to where I’m going.
As I slide into the driver’s seat of my car, I take a deep breath, trying to focus on what lies ahead. I need to leave before she wakes up, before I’m tempted to crawl back into bed with her. With a turn of the key, the engine roars to life, and I pull out of the driveway.
Driving fast down the street, I grip the steering wheel tightly. I promised myself that I wouldn’t go there with Lily, but last night was a moment of weakness.
She’s going to be my wife, but only on paper, and I know I can’t give her the love she deserves. Yet our night together was undeniably the best one of my life, making everything so much more complicated.
“Stop it,” I tell myself as I park at a coffee shop. “Focus on what needs to be done.”
And what does need to be done? Where am I supposed to go from here?
I get out of the car, slamming the door shut behind me, and walk towards the shop’s entrance. The smell of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air, momentarily grounding me in the present.
“Hi, welcome! What can I get you?” The cheerful barista smiles as I approach the counter.
“Large dark roast coffee, please.” I force a smile, feeling like a zombie trying to fake being alive.
“Sure thing.” She spins around, busying herself with my order.
As I wait for my coffee, I glance around the cozy shop, taking in the mismatched furniture and local artwork adorning the walls. It’s a stark contrast to the glamorous parties and high-society gatherings I’m used to attending with Lily.
Sometimes — oftentimes — I wish I had been born into another life. That I hadn’t been born a prince, but instead, the son of a rancher or a plumber. I know life wouldn’t be any easier. Yes, I’d still have my problems.
