#1 | The Aftermath - Phantom Rider Series

#26 | Interdimensional

Mila's POV

The flight was long and boring, and the road to the house was even more exhausting. All I wanted was to lie down and sleep in a warm, soft bed, not slouch on chairs. Flying first class didn't really help to feel comfortable.

Bill was clearly in pain, his injury not ideal for flying, but he said nothing. I knew the place we were heading to must be beautiful, knowing him. When we arrived, I was not disappointed - the house looked magical.

It was a modern masterpiece, its sleek lines and large glass windows reflecting the lake and surrounding forest. Completely isolated, yet offering absolute freedom. The air smelled like pine trees and fresh water.

We entered the spacious living room, dominated by a grand fireplace. Bill set our bags down, wincing from discomfort but insisting on carrying them himself.

"This place is incredible," I said, trying to break the ice.

Bill managed a small smile, his eyes softening as he looked at me. "I'm glad you like it. Let's get settled."

As we finished unpacking our bags - mostly me while he smoked and drank coffee on the terrace. I insisted on doing it to keep him from straining himself. It was nothing, just bags.

When I came down the stairs, he had already lit the fireplace. The room was filled with golden flickers, looking cozy and warm.

"Thank you for bringing me here," I said, leaning into him.

"I wanted us to have a place where we can just... be," he whispered in my ear, his breath sending shivers down my spine.

I kissed him, and every time our lips touched, it felt like the first time. I would never get used to this. Despite his attempts to appear calm, I sensed his tension and worry.

Bill's POV

While Mila saw the fireplace and the forest around us, I was aware of the security packed around the area. I knew Victor would come for me. Tom had been stepping on Victor's feet for a long time before he died. Tom believed Victor had something to do with our parents. He just never figured it out.

Mila looked at me with her soft light eyes, begging for attention. Funny that once she was here, finally mine, I wanted to run away from her.

Something held me off. I didn't know what to do with her. Do I talk, kiss her, make love? And then what? What happens after? How do couples do it? I had no idea how that works.

"Bill, relax," her tiny palm on my arm warm like the fireplace.

I exhaled and put my arm on hers, squeezing her fingers lightly.

Mila's POV

I kissed him again, feeling his emotional tension turn into physical. The kiss turned into a long, tender moment with short inhales in between, neither of us wanting to let go. Eventually, we breathed each other's air until my head spun and my body tingled on the verge of passing out.

We helped each other peel off our clothes, stripping away the layers of complicity between us. When our clothes lay on the floor, there was nothing protecting our naked bodies and souls from each other.

Bill looked at me with awe, and I felt exposed yet loved.

"You're so beautiful," he breathed, his hands tracing my skin. I still felt filthy, dirty, and ugly.

Tears welled up in my eyes. "You are too..."

He interrupted me. "Just please don't say I am pretty," he laughed.