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Tiffany's brow furrows, and she leans forward, her voice laced with sincerity. "yeah fuckin right. I can sense that there's something more going on. Is it Chloe?"
My breath catches in my throat, surprised by the directness of her question. I glance at Tiffany, contemplating how much to reveal. After a moment's hesitation, I decide to confide in her, hoping she can offer some guidance.
"uhh…Fuck…yeah, it's Chloe," I admit, my voice tinged with vulnerability. "I can't deny these feelings anymore but it's complicated. You know how fucking crazy Jonathan is about the Bloom sisters, and I don't want to jeopardize my relationship with him either.
Tiffany nods, her eyes filled with understanding. "I get it... But you can't ignore your own happiness for the sake of others. Have you spoken to Chloe about this?"
I shake my head, a heavy sigh escaping my lips. "No, I've been pretty distant with her lately, trying to push her away, for her own good... I'm scared... Scared of losing her, scared of being abandoned again, you know… like . . . like with our parents."
A slight lift of her eyebrows and a tilt of her head indicated Tiffany's understanding. Her voice, usually strong and authoritative, softened into something akin to sisterly love. "C'mon Stephen...you know this as well as me. I was there too, remember? But emotions can really blindside you sometimes. It's like…I just don't know what else to say. All I can do is tell you to be careful, okay? Chloe has already endured so much."
Tiffany’s words hung thickly in the air between us, as if they had taken physical form. I could feel them weighing down on my shoulders, and see the way their presence seemed to darken my atmosphere. As we parted ways, I felt my heart constrict with worry; my own hopes and desires competing with a fear of causing Chloe any more pain. Over the next few days, I found myself growing even more distant, uncertain of how to navigate this unfamiliar terrain.
The sun was sinking below the horizon, painting the sky in a mix of deep reds and golds. I was lost in my thoughts when a soft knock at my door pulled me back to reality. There stood Chloe, her hair tousled in the evening breeze, wearing an expression of determination that also betrayed her vulnerability. Our eyes met for a brief moment before she spoke, her voice low and intense.
"Stephen," she said, each word heavy with unspoken meaning. "We need to talk."
I stepped aside and opened the door wider for her to enter. The air became charged with electricity as soon as we were alone together, the tension between us growing more noticeable with every passing second. As it does whenever we find ourselves alone.
Chloe's face was a canvas of emotions, her eyes searching mine for answers. She inched closer and the warmth of her breath on my skin stirred something deep within me. Her voice was soft yet resolute as she asked, “Stephen, what’s been going on with us? You’ve been distant, and I can’t help but feel like I’ve done something wrong,” and with those words, my defenses came tumbling down.
I took a deep breath in an effort to find courage to express my feelings. "Chloe," I started, hesitatingly. "It's not you. It's me." My words softened, barely audible in the quietness of the room. "I'm scared."
The confusion that had originally creased Chloe's brows faded as it gave way to understanding. She reached out and tenderly lifted my chin so our eyes met once more before asking, "Scared? Of what Stephen?"
My fear overwhelmed me as memories of abandonment flooded my mind; I could scarcely find the right words to convey its depths. With a whisper barely above the silence I answered,"I'm scared of being abandoned again like Tiffany and I were by my parents...of getting close to someone only to be left behind."
Chloe's gaze held mine in an embrace of reassurance as she spoke earnestly and without hesitation,"Stephen I'm not going anywhere. I'm here, right now." Her sincerity filled the space between us as if it was tangible and written across her face—with no trace of doubt or apprehension.
In one fell swoop she had melted away the icy walls I had built around myself and opened my heart to hers. Our lips met in a passionate kiss, far deeper than we had ever shared before. Our bodies moved together in an intimate dance of affection that filled every inch of space between us and dissipated the fear that lingered there before. In this embrace we found solace in one another, our love taking root anew.
Chapter thirteen
Chloe
Iwakeupwitha flutter of excitement dancing in my chest, the anticipation of the evening ahead making my heart race. Today is the day I've been eagerly looking forward to—the night Stephen has planned for us. It’s the day I lose my virginity, I have decided. It’s like a stone around my neck at this point, an unwelcome weight I would be glad to set down.
And who better to be my first sexual partner if not Stephen? I’ve had a crush on that man since before I even knew what physical pleasure was. So it’s kind of befitting that he would lead me over this one threshold I haven’t crossed yet but am eager to. ASAP!!
Throughout the day, thoughts of Stephen and our moments together flood my mind, each memory streaking hotly through my limbs. All those stolen glances, whispered dirty fantasies, and secret rendezvous where his deft fingers and lips handled my body like a musical instrument . . . every thought leaves me a little hungrier for his touch, and at the end of the day, I hurry through a shower before beginning to make myself look as desirable to him as I can.
I find myself standing in front of the mirror, carefully selecting an outfit that embodies the mix of sensuality and elegance I want to convey. My fingers tremble slightly as I fasten a delicate necklace around my neck, its silver pendant catching the light so fetchingly.
The bistro Stephen has chosen is a hidden gem, tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. Its warm, inviting ambiance sets the stage for the evening's enchantment. As I step inside, the soft glow of flickering candles casts a golden hue on the surroundings, creating an intimate atmosphere that speaks of whispered promises and shared secrets.
Stephen was already there, waiting for me at our table. His beautiful lips curled into a smoldering smile as his sharp blue eyes devoured my figure with longing. The burning flame of desire in his gaze made the air between us sizzle. His piercing blue eyes locked onto my own, beckoning me towards him like a siren's call from the depths of the sea.
His dark tailored suit hugged his body perfectly, and I could almost make out some of his tattoos peeking beneath his unbuttoned black shirt. My heart sank in anticipation for the naughty things tonight will hold. He looked so delicious that I could feel the white hot heat blooming between my folds.
"Chloe, you look stunning," he says, planting a gentle kiss on my cheek while his hand lightly strokes the small of my back, which is bare thanks to the dress I’m wearing.
A soft blush colors my cheeks as I return his compliment. "Thank you, Stephen. You look quite dashing yourself."
We settle into the plush love seats of the intimate bistro, and our conversation ebbs and flows like a river. Our eyes sparkle as we laugh at silly comments and meaningful jokes that fill the air between us. The evening unfolds effortlessly, with questions about favorite books and movies that reveal more about each other than simple answers ever could. I can’t help but feel an invisible connection as we toast to our evening with bubbly glasses of champagne and prosecco.
As we savor each course, Stephen surprises me by recounting some of the most adventurous stories he had covered as a journalist. His words painting a picture of passion and creativity.
"Did you know," he says as he caresses the soft skin of my palm, "that the artist Renoir once said, 'The pain passes, but the beauty remains?’ That’s the first thought that came into my mind when I saw you on your first day at Eagle Eye."
