Edens Dream

Chpt.5

A choked laugh escaped Lilith. She burrowed into his embrace. "Ugh, I hate that nickname."
"But you'll let me use it if I forgive you?" he teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

Lilith, a mix of seriousness and relief in her voice, replied, "Maybe. But only if you promise to forgive me for being an idiot."

Adam chuckled, stroking her hair gently.
"Consider it forgiven. Besides, knowing you sprinted across town barefoot tells me you were scared enough."

Lilith pulled back, a hint of defiance returning. "Scared? Maybe a little. But mostly, I just knew I had to get to you."

Their eyes met, a silent understanding passing between them. In the heart of the crowded bar, they held onto each other, a fragile truce against the storm that had just passed.

Adam, his voice laced with a newfound hope, broke the silence. "So, does this make me your boyfriend?"

Lilith smirked. "Well, technically, dates come first, don't they?"

"A date, huh?" Adam's voice held a mix of amusement and genuine interest.

"How about a trip to Lake Erie?" Lilith suggested, her eyes sparkling. "A little trust-building exercise, perhaps?"

The thrill of the challenge shot through Adam. "Sounds perfect. But Lilith," his voice turned serious, "you know I can't change you. You don't have to open up all at once."

Lilith squeezed his hand, her gaze unwavering. "And I know you won't give up on me easily. That's one of the things I love about you, Adam."

They sealed the promise with a kiss, a beacon of hope flickering between them.

Meanwhile, outside the bar, a lone figure lurked in the shadows. Lucifer's face contorted with rage. Lilith's betrayal burned in his gut. She'd chosen that pathetic musician over him. A cruel smile twisted his lips. This wasn't over. He'd make them both pay for defying him. Lilith would learn her place, and Adam would crumble under the weight of Lucifer's wrath. The game had just begun.

Lucifer stalked away into the night, his mind a storm of vengeance. "Let the mice play," he muttered, a chilling echo of his father's words. "While the cat plots their demise."

Meanwhile, Lilith shed her fancy attire, trading it for the familiar comfort of her work clothes. Back downstairs, she rejoined the bar's lively atmosphere, stealing glances at Adam across the room. Laughter bubbled in her chest as he told a joke, the warmth of his smile reaching her even from a distance.

Drinks flowed freely that night, and by the time Adam offered a slightly slurred goodbye, it was clear he was in no condition to drive. Lilith, concerned but amused, ushered him upstairs to her apartment.

Once inside, she helped him onto the couch, his head lolling against the back cushion. Exhaustion finally claimed him, and he drifted off to sleep.

Lilith, a touch nervous but undeniably happy, changed into sleepwear. As she emerged from the bathroom, she found Adam sprawled unconscious on her bed. A surge of protectiveness washed over her. She slipped in beside him, surprised when he instinctively pulled her close.

Lilith nestled into his embrace, a feeling of safety and belonging overwhelming her. For the first time in a long time, sleep came easily, the warmth of his body chasing away the anxieties of the night.

The morning light found them still tangled together. Lilith woke with a contented smile, only to have it falter as the smell of stale alcohol hit her. A memory of the previous night's celebration flickered, and a frown creased her brow.

She leaned in to kiss Adam, but stopped short, the scent of liquor a stark reminder of his inebriated state. Gently, she tried to untangle herself, but Adam, even in sleep, seemed to hold on tighter.

Lilith was happy in the embrace but she knew Adam would be hungry once he awoke. She nudged him awake with a touch more force than intended.

"No, Eve, let me sleep a little longer," he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep.
Lilith's temper snapped. She struck him lightly on the arm. "Adam! It's me, Lilith!"

His eyes flew open, a jolt of panic replacing his drowsiness. "Lilith? Oh my god, I... I'm so sorry. I thought it was a dream."

Shame flooded his face. He scrambled out of bed, following Lilith as she retreated to the kitchen.

"I didn't mean anything by it," he stammered, his voice laced with guilt. "I'm not used to waking up next to anyone but..."

"Eve," Lilith finished, her voice flat. "I understand it was a habit, but things are different now, aren't they? This... us... it's fragile. And frankly, Adam, I'm tired of being hurt. So forgive me if I don't exactly trust you blindly, especially when you bring up your past lovers in your sleep."

The weight of her words hung heavy in the air. The carefree joy of the night before had evaporated, replaced by a tense uncertainty. Adam could only stand there, the gravity of his actions sinking in. The road to rebuilding trust had just taken a sharp turn.

"It's not her fault," Adam said gently, his tone devoid of blame.

Lilith sighed, the weight of his words settling on her. "I know," she admitted, hanging her head slightly. "But it's hard to reconcile that with the things she enjoys."

"I understand," Adam replied, a sympathetic smile gracing his lips. "You both carry scars, but you emerged stronger, Lilith. That's what matters."

He took a step closer, his arms wrapping around her. "There's a difference, though. You fight the darkness, while Eve embraces it. That's why I care about her, but love you."

Lilith met his gaze, a spark of gratitude flickering in her eyes. "Thank you for seeing that, Adam. And for believing in my strength."
She leaned back into his embrace, a newfound sense of security washing over her. Here, in his arms, she felt safe, cherished for who she truly was.