Chapter 104
The SUV hums softly beneath us as we cruise through the streets, the sound of the tires on asphalt providing an oddly soothing backdrop to the chaos swirling behind my ribs. Mike’s driving, calm as ever, with the occasional glance in the rearview mirror that tells me he’s aware of the energy that’s crackling in the air. 1, on the other hand, can barely keep my mind still.
Harley. She’s with me. And she’s sitting next to me.
I can’t quite believe it. Not after everything that’s happened in the past 24 hours. Not after my bite. Not after everything I’ve tried to bury and the feelings I’ve tried to ignore. But here she is, sitting next to me, agreeing to spend the afternoon at my place.
I let out a slow breath through my nose, trying to rein in the excitement that’s flooding my veins. But there’s a quiet tension just below the surface, too. Something that’s gnawing at the edges of my focus. What if she doesn’t like my place? What if it’s too much? Or not enough?
I glance at her and watch as she leans back against the leather backseat, her eyes half–lidded, with a slight smile playing at the corner of her lips. She’s the picture of ease. And even though she’s too beautiful for words, there’s a soft wariness about her. Something I can’t quite place. Is she nervous, too?
The sudden need to hold her hand surges up from somewhere deep inside me, unexpected and raw. And without overthinking it, I reach out slowly and brush my fingers lightly against hers where they’re resting on her lap. The moment my hand touches hers, a spark ignites–something electric that makes my heart skip a beat.
To my surprise, though, she doesn’t pull away, Instead, her fingers tighten around mine just a little. It’s a simple gesture. It’s just our hands, clasped together in the backseat of an SUV, while we’re driving to my penthouse.
But to me, it’s everything.
I can’t stop the stupid grin that tries to tug at the corners of my lips. It’s a feeling I can’t name, and for once, I don’t want to. I just want to hold on to this moment and this connection.
Her touch that’s warm and soft, does things to me I don’t have the words for. I’m not sure I’ve ever been this nervous in my entire life, and that includes all the fights and battles I’ve faced over the centuries. This, right here, is more overwhelming than any war or enemy I’ve ever faced.
“So, how are you liking the day so far?” I ask plainly, trying to keep things casual. My words feel too light for the tension buzzing between us, but I force a slight smile in an attempt to mask how I’m feeling inside.
She shifts to the side in her seat to face me, raising a playful eyebrow. I’m beginning to think you don’t eat anything unless there’s a Michelin star involved. But I suppose somewhat helping me gorge on street food is start.” She tilts her head with a smirk. “For now.”
I chuckle unexpectedly and tighten my grip around hers slightly, before saying, “It’s a new world to me. I’m adapting. Slowly.”
The rest of the drive passes in a hase of quiet conversation and even quieter moments of shared glances, I can feel every inch of the distance between us narrowing as we approach my high–rise. It feels as if our journey went too fast, and yet, I can’t wait to see what she thinks of my place. Of my home.
As we pull into the underground parking garage and the sleek black SUV glides effortlessly Into its designated space, I notice the slight tension in Harley’s shoulders. It’s small and almost unnoticeable, but it’s there. She’s nervous too, just like 1 um.
Mike parks the car, and the moment the engine cuts off, I get out before I even realize it, I swiftly walk around to her side, opening her door and offering my hand to her. She looks up at me for a second, her brow furrowed slightly, before taking my hand without hesitation.
She’s quiet as we walk the short distance through the cavernous garage, the air thick with the sound of our footsteps against the smooth concrete. I can feel the weight of her gaze on me, but I can’t look at her just yet. I’m still fighting the urge to pull her closer, to wrap my arms around her, so I can keep her tethered to me.
step into my private elevator, and the doors close with a soft whoosh, the world outside disappearing behind us. It’s just me and her now, anding close together in the small, polished space. I feel every inch of her, the warmth of her body, and the quiet tension between us that
at seem to shake.
Hate the elevator you’ve got here,” she says, breaking the silence her eyes flicker up at the mirrored ceiling-
I huff, trying to lighten the mood, but my voice is tight. “I like my privacy.”
marks. “I’ve noticed,”
Chapter 104
The elevator ascends quickly to the 50th floor, the hum of the machinery filling the quiet enclosed space. The tension between us is palpable now, and it only grows heavier with every floor we pass.
I can’t help but steal glances at her, watching as she tries to remain composed with her lips slightly parted, and her fingers twitching with anticipation or nerves. Maybe both.
The elevator finally slows down smoothly and quietly, and when the doors open, we step out into the sleek, modern lobby of my penthouse. I can feel my heart racing in anticipation of her first impression of the place.
I guide her through the expansive hallway to my front door with my hand at the small of her back. It’s become instinct now–keeping her close. And she doesn’t seem to mind. At least, not yet.
As we walk, the words I’ve been holding in for so long are finally on the tip of my tongue. I need to say something, but I’m not sure what. I’m not sure how to make her understand the weight of what this is. Of what we are.
She looks up at me as we near the door with a steady gaze and her lips slightly parted. And for a brief moment, it feels like the whole world is held in the balance.
But for now, I stay quiet, as I guide her forward, instinctively knowing that whatever happens next will change everything.
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