Rhythm of Heartbreak

Chapter 27: Unspoken Desires

Jess felt the blinding lights in her eyes as she slowly opened them, noticing the massive brightness of the sun casting across the entire corner of the room. She stretched her arms, and her hands caught an unfamiliar frame. She turned around and saw the sleeping figure of Rick.

A gasp escaped her lips as shock was evident on her face. How did this happen? She distanced herself from him, occupying the edge of the bed, and glanced around, realizing they were in a hotel. She tried to recall the events of the previous night.

Jess checked herself and was relieved to see she was still fully clothed. She touched her chest, trying to calm her senses. Her eyes drifted back to Rick, and she was drawn to his well-crafted face. How can this even be fair? Even in his sleep, Rick looked strikingly handsome. His long lashes were evident, and Jess was holding onto the last string of self-restraint before she succumbed to the temptation of touching them with her fingertips.

His lips were slightly parted, and Jess gulped as she felt her throat run dry. She watched Rick intently; he looked so peaceful. She gently brushed aside the hair covering his forehead, causing him to stir slightly. She paused, afraid he might wake up.

"What are you dreaming about?" she whispered, smiling at him.

Moments passed, and Jess decided to move closer to Rick for a clearer view. Suppressing her giggles when, out of nowhere, his eyes snapped open, leaving her in a state of surprise. She blushed uncontrollably, caught in her act with no excuses.

"Sorry, I was about to..." She attempted to get up but was pinned in place when Rick's arms wrapped around her. He moved closer, snuggling as if it were the most natural thing to do. She held her breath.

"Stay for a little while," he whispered sexily in her ear.

Jess felt a sensation at the back of her neck as he uttered the words. She lay still, unable to move an inch. Rick pulled her even closer. She gulped, all her senses heightened as she felt his face on her neck, breathing directly onto her warm skin. This is torture! Jess thought.

"Rick," she called.

"Yes?" he answered under his breath, not moving.

"What happened last night?" she dared to ask.

"What do you remember?" he asked back.

"I'm not sure," she answered truthfully.

He moved away from her neck and stared into her eyes. "You are banned from drinking any alcohol unless you're with me. You have a habit of forgetting things when you get drunk."

"Do you have hangover?" he asked.

"No, no headache," she confirmed.

He then messed her hair playfully and smiled. "I'm glad." He paused, then added with all seriousness, "How are you feeling after last night?"

Jess tilted her head, pondering his question. Was he referring to Shaun? Her memory trailed back to the events of the previous night. She remembered asking Rick to take her to a bar, which he obliged. They hopped into his car and drove somewhere she hadn't paid much attention to. She recalled drinking vodka while Rick kept her company. It seemed like a VIP bar, with only a few people around, oblivious to the fame associated with Rick Reed.

"I'm good now, I guess," she said sincerely. "Thank you for keeping me company last night. I'm sorry if I was a burden."

Rick's gaze softened. "You didn't burden me at all," he replied gently. "I enjoyed spending time with you." He reached out and lightly traced his fingers along her lips before brushing her cheek, lingering on the softness of her skin. Jess inhaled sharply, her mind racing.

What was that about? she wondered to herself.

"I want to kiss you again," he whispered, his breath warm against her skin. The words sent a rush of heat to her cheeks, igniting a vivid recollection of the intimate moment they had shared on the boot camp. The memory of that kiss—flooded her senses, making her pulse quicken.

Rick lowered his gaze, his hands gently cupping the sides of her neck as his fingers caressed her skin. He leaned in, his lips brushing against her exposed flesh, igniting a fire deep within her.

She gasped, making her toes curl involuntarily. Her eyes fluttered shut, it was as if every thought had been numbed, leaving her lost in the moment, consumed by the raw connection between them.

"Rick," she panted her voice a breathless whisper, betraying the desires she had tried so hard to suppress.

Rick moved to the sides of her face, his lips leaving a trail of warmth as they explored her skin. Each touch was gentle, deliberate, like the brush of a dew-freckled petal caught in a soft breeze, cool yet tingling with sensation.

"Jess," he whispered, her name slipping from his lips.

He tilted her face toward him, capturing her lips once again. This kiss was different, deeper, more charged with the emotions he had kept hidden. Without a second thought, her hands slid down to his chest, marveling at the firm, solid muscle beneath her fingers. The heat of his skin seeped into hers, and she could feel the rapid beat of his heart, mirroring her own.

"Oh, Jess... you are beautiful," he breathed.

Jess couldn't decide if she was drawn to the softness of his lips or the things he said. Either way, she was completely captivated by him. His touch burned through her, breaking down all the walls she had tried to keep up.

His hands slid under her dress, untying the strings and touching her bare back. His lips moved to her shoulders, making her feel exposed, excited, and hopeful.

He stopped and looked at her. Jess noticed the change in his hazel eyes as he took in her body, making her feel self-conscious.

Rick smiled and whispered, "Lovely..."

Seeing his gaze soften, Jess felt more confident. She took off Rick's shirt, taking in his toned body as he stayed still, letting her admire him.

She noticed a large scar on his abdomen. It made him tense up, but she gently kissed it before he could react.

Rick closed his eyes at the touch. His fingers traced her spine, causing her to moan softly. The teasing was too much for him. He touched her chin, making her look directly at him.

"I want to make love to you, Jess Lynn," he said, seeing her lips quiver with desire. Her face flushed, making the moment even more intense.

Rick traced her lips with his fingers, making her heart race. She felt overwhelmed by the thought of being with him. Her eyes widened as he removed his last piece of clothing, and she swallowed hard.

"I want you," he said softly.

They looked at each other. Jess lay back on the bed as Rick positioned himself over her. The initial pain made her gasp as she adjusted to him. Jess moved under him, overwhelmed by the sensation. She made unfamiliar sounds as each movement intensified her feelings.

As he reached his climax, Jess let go of all her hesitations, embracing the moment. Rick collapsed beside her, breathing heavily, and kissed her tenderly. She smiled. In the soft light of the room, they touched each other gently, savoring the moment. They were completely absorbed in each other.

Jess closed her eyes, feeling a beautiful ache in her body.

She noticed Rick studying her and asked, "What?"

Rick propped himself up on one arm and said, "You didn't tell me."

She looked at him, confused.

"You were a virgin," he said simply.

She turned her gaze away.