HAUNTINGLY | 18+

27 | Game on

I blink my eyes open and find the bed empty. Glancing at the clock, it's 1:35 p.m. Well, I've actually managed to sleep in without any haunting dreams. A first, and damn, it feels good.

With a stretch, I sit up and look around the room. Nothing but emptiness.

My thoughts drift back to the conversation I had with Xavier last night. There's an unfamiliar sense of relief that came from opening up to him. It's probably the reason I had a peaceful night without any nightmares.

I rise from the bed and step out of Xavier's room, heading toward my bathroom. I take a quick shower and make my way to the closet.

The day is practically begging for a swim – sun blazing, weather just right. I grab a tiny red bikini and slip into it before heading out to the backyard.

The sun's gentle warmth caresses my skin as I settle onto one of the loungers by the pool. I reach for the tanning lotion I brought along and begin massaging it onto my legs.

As I work the lotion into the rest of my body, the sound of approaching footsteps catches my ears, followed by a shadow that covers the sun from my view.

"Need some help?" Xavier's voice interrupts my thoughts.

I lift my head to see him standing there. "Yes, please. Can you get my back?" I ask, passing him the lotion.

He takes it from my hand as I turn over, positioning myself on my stomach. I feel his hands moving slowly up and down my back, tracing every curve of my skin.

His hands gradually go lower, stopping just above my ass. He continues to massage that specific area, and I feel myself growing more at ease with every touch.

He swiftly flips me onto my back, drawing me closer by my legs. His body leans over mine, his hands planted beside my head now. His gold chain dangles from his neck.

His face inches closer to mine, the contrast of his cool chain against my warm skin sending shivers down my spine. "How did you sleep last night?" His intense gaze bores into mine.

"Fine," I manage to mumble, my thoughts consumed by our proximity.

He raises an eyebrow. "Just fine?"

"For the first time in forever, I had no nightmares," I admit softly.

He gives a subtle nod. "You'll be sleeping in my room from now on."

Before I could utter a word, his lips press against my neck, peppering delicate kisses along the path to my lips.

With a hint of anticipation, his mouth finds mine, and he takes my lower lip into his, drawing it in slowly with a tantalizing pull that sends shivers down my spine.

I feel the warmth of his breath mingling with mine, creating an intoxicating closeness. His kiss is a mix of danger and desire.

His fingers trace a path from my neck to my waist, leaving a trail of electricity in their wake. The weight of his body begins to press against mine.

His lips explore mine skillfully, each movement confident and hungry. I respond eagerly, my fingers tangling in his hair, pulling him closer.

I wrap my legs around his waist, feeling the hardness between my thighs. He moves against me, the pressure building as he kisses me. A soft moan escapes my lips.

He pulls away from my lips and rests his forehead against mine. "Don't forget about the dinner tonight, be ready by 8:00," he says, leaving me with one last kiss before he stands and heads back into the house.

I sit up, taking a deep breath. There's a lingering heat between my legs, and he's left me craving more once again. This is the second time he's pulled this, and tonight, I'm going to give him a taste of his own medicine.