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I close my eyes and run my tongue over my lips.

I can still taste her lips.

Fat.

Soft.

Warm vanilla.

That’s what finally sends me over the age. I pump my cock faster and half a minute later it starts pouring hot cum all over my hand and shower glass.

“Fuccccccck.”

My entire body shudders with the release, a sharp rush of sensation unlike anything I’ve ever felt racing down my spine.

I brace myself against the tile, breathing hard as the hot water rushes over me, trying to steady my breathing and clear my head.

Fuck me.

Jerking off to thoughts of her should’ve at least satisfied me. Instead, it did the exact opposite.

I want more.

Once I regain my composure, I shut off the water, grab a towel, and step to the sink.

I wipe the steam from the mirror.

The man staring back looks tired, annoyed, restless.

But different.

Something in me has shifted.

And it has a name.

Artemis.

I can keep pretending she’s temporary. Tell myself the kiss meant nothing and tomorrow we'll go back to irritating each other and keeping our distance.

I can lie to myself all I want.

She’s already under my skin.

And after years stained by tragedy, something inside me is finally awake.

Something that wants.

Something that feels.

Something I can’t fucking bury anymore.

God knows I tried.

I sigh, give my reflection one last look, and decide to deal with the mess in my head tomorrow.

I’ve had enough for one night.

I turn off the lights, leave the bathroom, and climb into bed, determined to get at least two hours of sleep this time.