“Yes, I wou—“ I didn't finish my sentence as the last word was consumed by the lust he pushed against my lips.
Zane finally kissed me.
Chapter 22
This couldn't have been real.It had to have been a dream, and the thought of waking up terrified me.I wished I could have stayed in that moment.If that was a dream, it was the most exquisite one I had ever experienced.But if that was real… my very essence seemed to merge with his.
I couldn't feel the ground beneath me; my legs trembled as if I had just completed a marathon, my blood pulsed with heat—no, with lava—and my heart… my heart beat like a war drum, so fiercely it was almost painful.I had fantasized about that moment countless times, yet it was nothing like I had ever imagined.
His left hand gripped my waist with a gentle rhythm, sliding up and down my back.His right hand rested on my neck, while his thumb caressed my jawline.And his lips… oh, there were no words to capture that.His soft, coral lips eagerly claimed mine, and I felt like a child discovering the alphabet for the first time.
I was unsure where to place my hands; all I wanted was to feel his bare skin against mine.I cradled his head with my right hand, pulling him closer, as if I could meld our beings into one.
His tongue explored in a way I had never experienced before, a new dance that I had to learn on the fly.With Marco, the steps had been familiar and practiced, but this was an entirely fresh choreography.It flowed effortlessly and tenderly, and the taste of him drove me to the brink of insanity.
I feared I wouldn't be able to hold on much longer.I felt like I was about to explode.It felt like waves crashing over me, again and again, but not from the outside, but from inside me.I no longer felt solid; my body seemed to dissolve beneath his touch.A soft moan escaped my lips, involuntarily, again and again.And again.
I felt as if I had been suspended in a timeless void, devoid of air and gravity.The heat within me ignited, and I willingly surrendered to it.I didn't want that to end—not then, not ever.I wished to freeze that moment, that powerful and consuming union of our lips and souls.The thought that it could have become even more intense was beyond my comprehension.
I could hardly catch my breath; my feelings had engulfed me, and I was overwhelmed by my own longing.No, please, not then.Someone was approaching the stairs.
“Luna!”My mom’s voice echoed, growing louder as she neared.She was headed to my room.Zane pulled away, and the loss felt like a part of me being torn away, a part that had already taken root deep within.
Please, I needed him.
Zane hurried to the terrace, leaving me gasping for air.The door swung open.
“Luna, what's the matter?Are you alright?You look… awful.”My mom stood at the threshold, concern etched on her face as she scanned me.I couldn't find the words; my thoughts were tangled with Zane.“Why did you open the terrace door?It's freezing,” she remarked, glancing towards the open door as if ready to shut it.
“I'll take care of it.Don't worry.”I dashed to the door, peering outside, but Zane was gone.
“Are you sure you're okay?You're all flushed and hot,” she said, stepping forward to check my forehead with her hand, but I recoiled.Would she sense his presence?Would she notice my swollen lips?
“I'm fine, really.Just a little warm,” I replied, turning my back to her as I pretended to tidy my room.
“You don't look fine to me…” she insisted, her worry apparent.I was at a loss for words, unable to think clearly with my mind consumed by thoughts of the kiss.“I was actually thinking we could go out for pizza, but now I'm not so sure,” my mom suggested.
“Actually, I'd love to!I'm fine, really.I was just lost in a book… just feeling a bit emotional.”I attempted to reassure her.
“Well, if you're sure about that, I'll get ready, and we can leave in about an hour if that works for you.”
“Sounds perfect, Mom!”I smiled, finally feeling a bit more grounded.She nodded and left, closing the door behind her.I rushed to the terrace, but there was no sign of Zane.He was gone…
I gazed into the mirror, and a surge of memories washed over me, forcing me to grip the sink for support.His presence lingered; I could still taste him and feel the warmth of his body pressed against mine.The fluttering in my stomach intensified, teetering on the edge of nausea.I had no desire to cleanse my face or hands—I could still catch his scent on my skin.
I retreated to my room, swapping my outfit for a pair of blue jeans and a pink long-sleeved top.I slipped on white sneakers and opted for a lighter beige wool coat.
Once I made my way downstairs, I found my mom sitting at the kitchen counter, dressed but looking troubled.I studied her, trying to decipher if her mood was related to me, but she remained silent.
“Mom?Is everything alright?”I asked.She didn't answer, her chin quivering as if she might cry.“Mom, please tell me.What's wrong?”I urged, stepping closer.Suddenly, she burst into laughter, catching me off guard.My eyes widened, confused.
“I don't have a car,” she said, and it dawned on me.Of course, the car had been wrecked in the accident, and she hadn't mentioned getting a new one.She'd been using Dad’s car whenever she needed to go out.
“Oh, right,” I replied, “What about Dad’s car?”
“Well, he's working late.A patient had an emergency, which is why I thought we could go out, just the two of us,” she explained, shaking her head.
“We can always order pizza; I'm fine with that,” I suggested, meeting her gaze in an attempt to reassure her.
