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Thoughts whirl around in my mind. Samuil’s confession wasn’t just shocking; it was earth-shattering. I’ve always seen him as my protector, as Viktor's best friend. Love, in that traditional, heart-fluttering sense, had never been on my radar when it came to him. Until now.
Each step I take feels automatic, like I’m being pulled by an invisible string, and before I know it, I'm heading toward his apartment. It's a route I've taken countless times, yet tonight, it feels foreign, uncharted.
His words replay in my mind.“Because I love you! I’ve always loved you!”The vulnerability in his eyes, the intensity of his confession, it was all too real. He's been in love with me. Me. Ana, the tough, no-nonsense fighter, the sister of his best friend.
The realization is a lot to handle. My heart races, and not just from the brisk pace of my walk. I have to see him. I have to understand.
His apartment building comes into view, an imposing gray structure against the darkening sky. I can feel the weight and the uncertainty of the upcoming conversation bearing down on me.
Standing in front of the door to his place, the emotions bubble up again. My stomach's in tighter knots than before any fight. Maybe, just maybe, I feel the same way about him. But admitting that to myself, let alone to him, is terrifying.
Gathering my courage, I knock, waiting for him to open the door.
When he does, Samuil's eyes lock onto mine, searching. The silence between us seems to stretch on endlessly. Finally, I find my voice. "We need to talk."
He opens the door wider, the hint of a weary smile on his face. "Come in."
As I step into his apartment, memories come flooding back of all the times we’ve shared in this place laughing, strategizing for the next fight, or simply sitting in silence, each lost in our own thoughts. It's a space I know well, yet it feels so foreign.
Turning to face him, I take a deep breath. "Look, Samuil, I appreciate your concern. More than you know. And" I pause, looking away for a moment, trying to find the right words, "the fact that you have feelings for me… it's a lot to process."
He looks at me, an expectant expression on his face, waiting for me to continue. My heart races, but I push on. "I think I’m starting to feel something for you too. It’s just that...” I try to find a metaphor he'd understand, “…it’s like we're reading the same story, but you're a few chapters ahead of me."
Samuil snorts, a smirk pulling at his lips. “You know I don't like to read."
I chuckle, relieved at the attempt to lighten the mood.
The tense air feels lighter, replaced by an acknowledgment and acceptance of the journey we're about to embark upon. The unknown terrifies me, but there’s a small flame of excitement, too. My heart is torn between caution and the urge to dive headfirst into this new chapter with him.
“I don’t want to rush you, Ana.”
I nod, feeling grateful. We sit down on his couch, close to one another, yet leaving enough space to allow each other to let this new revelation sink in.
As we talk, laugh, and reminisce about the past, I’m reminded once again of why Samuil has always held a special place in my heart. Even with all the raw emotion, confusion, and uncertainty of the future of our relationship, one thing remains unchanged—the undeniable comfort and safety I feel in his presence.
The atmosphere in the room changes, an electrifying charge developing between us. Samuil's usually hard eyes soften as he looks down at me. We're both vulnerable in this moment, and it feels so fragile, so real.
"Ana," he begins, his voice almost trembling. "If it's money you need, I can give it to you. You don't need to put yourself at risk for the prize money. After what happened today, after almost losing you..." His voice breaks, and it hits me how deeply affected he was by the attack.
His eyes hold mine, unwavering. "I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something happened to you."
The weight of his confession is like a heavy blanket, comforting yet overwhelming. Tears prick at my eyes, and I blink them away. My voice is small when I respond, "I don't want to risk it either, Samuil. Not anymore."
A look of relief washes over his face, and he nods slowly. "Good," he says.
A comfortable silence falls over us. Samuil shifts closer, his massive arm curling around my shoulder, pulling me into his embrace. I nestle into him, my head resting against his broad chest. The steady thump of his heartbeat against my ear is soothing. I've never felt more protected and loved than I do in this moment. His warmth envelops me, chasing away any lingering doubts.
I lift my head to say something, anything, to break the trance. But as our eyes meet, all thoughts dissipate. The intensity of his gaze takes my breath away. Words are no longer necessary. Our faces inch closer, a magnetic force drawing us together.
The world fades away as our lips meet, gentle at first, a soft caress. But the passion quickly ignites, the kiss deepening, our mouths moving in desperate need and desire. We move seamlessly, our clothes becoming obstacles that are hastily shed. The journey to his bedroom seems both endless and instantaneous as the soft fabric of his sheets caress my skin.
Being with Samuil this time feels different, so much more intimate now that he’s expressed his love for me. The depth of our connection goes beyond anything I've ever experienced. For all his physical strength, it's these moments of emotional rawness that truly leave me breathless.
He hovers above me, his broad frame casting a shadow, and I can feel the heat of his body. He looks deep into my eyes, searching for any sign of doubt or hesitation. "Are you okay?" he says, the deep tone of his voice sending shivers down my spine.
Tears prick at my eyes, though I'm unsure if they're from the sheer emotion of the moment or the vulnerability of being so open with someone. I blink rapidly, hoping to conceal them from his sharp gaze. "Yes," I reply, my voice shaking slightly. "I'm really, truly okay."
He leans down to capture my lips once more. The kiss is soft and gentle, reassuring and grounding. His lips find the curveof my neck, tingles dancing over my skin as he kisses me over and over. His touch begins at my shoulder before moving down, cupping my breast. I gasp then moan as his fingertips gently squeeze my nipple.
