Echoes of Wonderland

Locked out of Heaven

Red's POV

Before Castlecoming

As I stand in front of the mirror, adjusting the deep red dress Chloe got for me, I can't help but feel a rush of excitement. The dress is perfect, bold and daring, just like me. It hugs my body in all the right places, with a fitted bodice that flares out slightly at the waist, cascading down to just above my knees. The fabric shimmers under the light, catching every movement, and the neckline dips low, but not too low—just enough to make a statement. There's a slit on one side, running up to mid-thigh, giving it that extra edge that makes me feel powerful and confident. It's not just any dress; it's a dress that says I'm here to take on the world.

I don't usually go all out like this, but tonight is special. After everything we've been through, I want to look good for Chloe. I swipe on a bit of eyeliner, add some mascara to make my eyes pop, and finish it off with a bold red lipstick that matches the dress. I take one last look at myself in the mirror, running my fingers through my hair, making sure everything is in place. I look... damn good, if I do say so myself.

But as much as I'm loving how I look, I'm dying to see Chloe. She's been in the bathroom for what feels like forever, getting ready. She insisted on keeping her dress a surprise until the last minute, and the anticipation is driving me wild. I can't wait to see her, to see what she's been hiding from me.

Finally, I hear the bathroom door creak open, and I turn, my breath catching in my throat. Chloe steps out, and for a moment, I forget how to breathe.

She's wearing this light blue strapless dress that clings to every curve, accentuating her perfect figure in a way that's almost too much for me to handle. The fabric is smooth and silky, catching the light and making her skin glow. The dress hugs her hips and thighs like it was made just for her, and the way it dips at the neckline is enough to make my heart race. My eyes trace the line of her shoulders, down to where the dress curves at her waist, and I can't help but imagine my hands following the same path.

Her legs look endless, bare and toned, leading up to the hem of the dress that stops just a breath above mid-thigh. The color of the dress contrasts perfectly with her skin, making her look ethereal, almost like she's glowing. Her hair cascades in soft waves over her shoulders, framing her face, and she's done her makeup just right—nothing too much, but enough to make her eyes stand out, to make her lips look even more kissable than usual.

She looks... incredible. No, incredible doesn't even begin to cover it. She looks like every fantasy I've ever had come to life, and suddenly, all I can think about is getting my hands on her, right here, right now. The urge to just pull her close, to kiss her senseless, is almost overwhelming.

- Holy fuck. - Is the only thing I manage to get out.

- Hey, language!

- I'm sorry, Chlo... it's just... you look... - I can barely get the words out. My voice is rough, thick with desire. - You look so fucking hot.

Chloe smiles, and it's that smile that's both sweet and sexy, the one that always makes my heart skip a beat.

- You think so, bae? - She asks, her voice teasing, knowing exactly the effect she's having on me.

I take a step closer, my eyes locked on hers.

- I think you're gonna be the death of me. - I murmur, reaching out to brush a strand of hair behind her ear, letting my fingers linger on her skin. - How am I supposed to behave tonight when you look like that?

Chloe laughs softly, a sound that sends shivers down my spine.

- Maybe I don't want you to behave. - She whispers, her eyes darkening with the same desire I'm feeling.

That does it. I close the distance between us, my hands finding her waist, pulling her close. Her body fits against mine perfectly, like we were made for each other. The feel of her skin under my fingertips, the warmth of her breath on my neck, it's enough to drive me crazy.

- You're killing me here, Chlo. - I say, my voice low and rough. I can't stop myself from pressing a kiss to her shoulder, trailing my lips up to her neck. - We're supposed to go to Castlecoming, but all I want to do is stay right here with you.

Chloe's breath hitches, and she tilts her head slightly, giving me more access.

- You're not making this easy either. - She murmurs, her hands sliding up my arms, sending sparks of electricity through me.

- Who said anything about easy? - I reply, my lips brushing against her ear.

She pulls back just enough to look at me, her eyes full of heat and affection.

- You really do look amazing, Red. - She says, her voice softening, her hands trailing down my sides. - And just so you know... I'm really, really glad you asked me to be your date.

I smile, feeling that familiar warmth in my chest, the one that only she can bring out in me.

- Chloe Charming, you make me the luckiest girl in the history of time travel. There's no one else I'd rather go with.

Chloe leans in, closing the distance between us, and our lips meet in a kiss that's soft but full of promise. When we pull back, she's looking at me with that same playful smile.

- I think we should get going. - She says, but the way her hands linger on me tells me she's as reluctant to leave as I am.

- Yeah. - I agree, though I can't resist stealing one more kiss. - But just so you know... we're leaving early tonight.

As we finally pull apart and head towards the door, I can't help but feel like the night is just beginning, and whatever happens, it's going to be one for the books.

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Y'all get another update today because we reached 100 votes on this story! Thank u guys, and shot out to kyileCantralllover for being the first one to vote on this story. I appreciate it!🫶🏼

Still more CUTE and HOT chapters to come.

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