Alchemy Of Abyss

Chapter Twenty-one~3

She arrived at last. He got up too quickly and nearly flipped the plate. She laughed and hugged him closely. He couldn't resist her hugs and dimpled smile. He hugged her even tighter, sniffing her floral scent. He just couldn't let go. "I want to tell you something." She tried to break free from his embrace to look at him, but his arms stopped her. "I can't lie any longer; I can't hide it. I can't look you in the eyes, so please stay in my arms."

"What's wrong?" she asked, tensely. "Are you okay?" She raised her hand, cupping the back of his head and gently playing with his hair. He closed his eyes and buried his face in her neck, kissing her right under her ear. He relaxed his body and tightened his hug even more.

"Before I met you, everything was numb; I never felt like my true self, never felt free and alive," he kissed her neck again. "You brought joy to my soul and happiness that I never thought was possible. I couldn't bear the thought of not telling you." He came to a halt, gathering the last of his courage to simply confess. "You are the greatest blessing in my life; I can't go a day without hearing your voice, and I want you." He took a deep breath, his lips trembling slightly. "I'm madly in love with you."

He felt her hand completely stop moving, and the air almost choked him. He realized she didn't share his feelings. "I understand you don't feel the same way. I will never force you to feel something you don't. I just... I couldn't keep pretending any longer. You are the only person I have ever felt this strongly for. I don't want to lose you please." Tears dripped from his closed eyes and landed on her shoulder. "Please don't hate me."

He finally let her go, releasing her from his warm, tight embrace. His eyes remained closed, fearful of looking into her face and seeing his rejection reflected in her eyes. His arm slowly withdraws from the touch he craves more than life itself. She was still pressing into him and didn't move.

"I thought you were smart, but you're so clueless." He finally looked at her after her hands cupped his face. She was softly smiling while wiping his fresh tears with her thumb. His eyes pleaded, almost begging for an answer. Her arms wrapped around him like chains again, their bodies pressed together heatedly and breathing heavily as her full lips pressed on his.

With a whimper, he wrapped his hand around her back, pulling her. It was soft at first, but it swiftly grew hot and breathy. Sharing a single breath, a single taste, and a timeless sensation. She broke the kiss, shifted her gaze slightly, and gazed deeply into his dark eyes. "I—" he stepped back into her, catching her lips once more. As he deepened the kiss, one hand moved into her wavy hair, grasping it.

She was able to stop herself from moaning because his kiss and touch were out of this world. She broke the kiss again, this time holding his face; his eyes were dry now, but heavy and lost in the most dreamy and loving gaze. Their lips were both swollen, their breathing was rapid, and their hearts were racing to rip their pressed bodies free. "I'm madly in love with you."

He smiled and hugged her, picking her up and swirling around like a child, both laughing along with the café staff, who applauded.

Tears ran from his eyes. The agony returned to torment him. Eleni's faint voice resurfaced in his ears. "Damn."