Echoes of the Past

Chapter 13

But Cole didn't give me time to finish what I was saying, instead he pulled me in his arms and wrapped them around me.

The storm outside raged on, but in that moment, it felt like it was just the two of us, our world narrowed down to the warmth of Cole's embrace and the certainty that, no matter what, we would face whatever came next together. We lay together in bed, wrapped in each other's arms as the storm intensified. The darkness felt thick and heavy, broken only by the occasional flash of lightning that illuminated the room for a split second and the small candle flickering beside our bed. The thunder roared, so loud and powerful it seemed to shake the walls of the house. Each time it struck, I found myself curling closer to Cole, seeking comfort in his warmth and the steady beat of his heart beneath my cheek.

His hand rested on my back, tracing slow, soothing circles as we lay in silence, listening to the storm. I could feel his breath against my hair, steady and calm, and it helped quiet the fear that bit at the edges of my mind. But beneath his calm exterior, I knew something else was simmering just beneath the surface.

"Tomorrow, I'll see what I can do to reinforce the doors," Cole said softly, his voice rumbling through his chest. "I hope the house doesn't get damaged, Ava."

His words were meant to reassure me, but I could hear the concern in his voice, the worry that we were more vulnerable than either of us wanted to admit. The glass doors in the bedroom rattled with each gust of wind, and I clung to Cole, my arms tightening around him as the storm howled outside.

Thunder crashed again, louder this time, and I pressed myself closer to him, burying my face in the crook of his neck. The familiar scent of him filled my senses. I felt safe here, in his arms, like nothing in the world could touch us.

But then, his voice came, low and rough, brushing against my ear like a caress. "Don't get too close, Ava," he murmured, his tone laced with something darker, something that sent a shiver down my spine. "I might not resist you for much longer."

His words hung in the air between us, thick with meaning, and I felt his hand move over my back, sliding down to rest on my waist. I was only wearing a t-shirt, no bra underneath, and the thin fabric did little to hide the heat of his touch. His fingers brushed the hem of the shirt, hesitating for just a moment before slipping beneath it, his hand warm against my skin.

My breath hitched, and I tilted my head back to look up at him, my heart pounding in my chest. His eyes were dark, intense, filled with a desire that mirrored the longing I felt deep inside. For a moment, neither of us moved, the storm outside forgotten as we stared at each other, caught in a moment that felt as fragile as the glass doors rattling in the wind.

Then, slowly, almost tentatively, Cole leaned down, capturing my lips in a kiss that was soft and tender, yet charged with an undercurrent of passion. I responded without thinking, my lips parting beneath his, welcoming the warmth and familiarity of him. His hand slid further up my side, pushing the t-shirt higher as he deepened the kiss, his tongue teasing mine in a way that made my toes curl.

I melted into him, all the tension and fear of the storm fading away in the heat of his embrace. My hands moved of their own accord, sliding up his back, feeling the solid muscles beneath his skin, pulling him closer until there was no space left between us. The kiss grew more urgent, more demanding as if we were both trying to erase the distance that had been between us for so long.

But as his hand moved higher, his fingers brushing the curve of my breast, I felt a pang of guilt cut through the haze of desire. I wanted this—wanted him—but there was a part of me that couldn't shake the feeling that we were crossing a line we couldn't uncross.

I pulled back slightly, breaking the kiss, my breath coming in ragged gasps. "Cole," I whispered, my voice trembling with the weight of my conflicting emotions.