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Or maybe I was just imagining that. Because Ari Lancaster seemed to be under the misguided impression that I always deserved everything.
"What happens now?" I asked, dread..shame...euphoria…anticipation floating through me as I pulled up my costume and he tucked his somehow still hard dick back into his pants.
"What happens now is that you break up with your boyfriend," he said gently, those emerald eyes shining at me in a cautious plea. "And you give us a chance. Because I'll make sure you never regret it."
Uncertainty churned within me like a stormy sea, its waves crashing against the shores of my heart, threatening to pull me under its tumultuous depths.
Could I summon the courage to take this leap of faith?
All my life, it seemed I'd never been able to hold on to the good things, to those flickering moments of happiness that as humans we rarely get.
But Ari Lancaster was different—he was the embodiment of all that was good and beautiful, the hero of my story, patiently waiting for me to let him save the day.
His eyes, those mesmerizing jade pools, held a tenderness and understanding that tugged at my heartstrings. They glistened in the dim light, silently urging me to trust, to believe in the possibility of us.
As I gazed into those eyes, I felt a rush of emotions, an overwhelming desire to let go of my fears and doubts. With Ari, there was something extraordinary, something worth risking it all for. The thought of finally allowing myself to embrace happiness, to give in to his unwavering devotion, filled me with hope and a profound sense of longing.
In that closet, surrounded by shadows, I realized that this might be my chance at something beautiful, something enduring. With trembling hands, I reached for him, silently conveying my willingness to take the leap, to trust in this thing between us, and to let Ari be my hero, not just for a day but maybe…for forever.
"I'm scared,” I finally murmured.
His smile was heartbreaking…life saving…everything.
"I know, sunshine. But I knew what you were the moment I met you."
“Oh yeah, and what is that?”
“Mine,” he said softly, without a trace of indecision.
He held out his hand, silently begging me to accept his offer. I stared at it for a few more seconds.
And then I took it and I followed him out of the closet.
Because what else could I do?
* * *
Ari's grip on my hand was unwavering as he pulled me down the spiraling staircases, through the throngs of people, and into a party that had escalated, becoming even more out of control. The music was deafening, a pulsating beat that reverberated through my entire being, a rhythm that seemed to sync with the frantic pounding of my heart.
The air was thick with desire, a heady cocktail of temptation and recklessness that hung like a palpable veil. Bodies entwined in a passionate dance, stolen kisses—and more—exchanged in shadowy corners, a dark sensuality everywhere you looked.
I could feel the weight of knowing eyes on me, judgmental gazes that followed our every move. I wouldn’t normally get any attention by myself, but I was with Ari Lancaster, and you couldn’t help but watch him.
I held my head high, his touch a lifeline in the midst of the pandemonium. With his hand firmly wrapped around mine, I felt safe and protected, as if nothing else in the world mattered.
Ari guided us towards the exit. The cool night air greeted us like a soothing balm as we stepped outside, leaving the raucous revelry behind. The cobblestone path stretched before us, now illuminated by scattered lanterns to lead drunk partiers to the exit.
A shiver ran down my spine as a breeze brushed my skin, and Ari wrapped his arm around me, drawing me close to his warmth. I couldn't help but lean into his embrace.
"Forgot to tell you," he began, his voice low and seductive, "I’ve always been a dog person, but all of a sudden, I'm really liking cats."
I rolled my eyes at him, a small, fond smile tugging at the corners of my lips as he exaggeratedly dragged his gaze over my costume. His teasing was a welcome contrast to the intensity of the night.
We approached the valet, only waiting a few minutes as they pulled Ari’s sleek car up. He held the door open for me with a charming flourish, and I settled into the plush leather seats. Ari leaned in, buckling my seatbelt, and I realized that it already felt like a habit, like something he’d been doing for me for forever.
His lips found mine in one final, searing kiss before he closed the door, walked around the hood of the car, and took his place behind the wheel. The sensation of his kiss lingered on my lips, a tantalizing reminder of what had happened tonight.
We set off, Ari humming along to an Olivia Rodrigo song.
