Crimson fears and Comforting arms

Chapter 4

It had been three days since the incident. Emiliano was on bed rest, as the doctors insisted he remain still to ensure his wounds healed properly. Moving around was out of the question. I stayed at the mansion, mostly to be with him, just as he had been with me throughout my recovery. I hadn't even had a chance to recover properly myself; things had escalated so quickly that I was fortunate to be able to stand at all. Emiliano told me I could leave and do whatever I wanted, but I refused and chose to stay and help him.

Over the past three days, we had the opportunity to sit down, talk, and truly get to know each other. I was able to discuss my past openly with him, without feeling the need to withhold details as I had before. He made me feel safe, allowing me to share anything without hesitation. His attention and comfort during these conversations were deeply reassuring. I appreciated how respectfully he listened to the traumas I had endured.

I had never experienced this kind of connection before, and everything felt new. Yet, my body seemed to know exactly what it wanted. I found myself craving his presence more and more with each passing day.

As the days passed, the atmosphere between Emiliano and me grew more intimate. We spent our evenings talking softly in his room, the quiet companionship gradually turning into something more. There was a magnetic pull between us that became impossible to ignore.

One evening, after a particularly deep conversation, we found ourselves sitting close on the bed, our knees touching. Emiliano had been asking me about my past, and I felt more comfortable sharing with him than I ever had with anyone before.

"I've never told anyone this much," I admitted, looking down at my hands. "You make it so easy to open up."

"I'm glad you feel that way," Emiliano said, gently lifting my chin so I would meet his eyes. "You've been through so much. I want to be here for you, to listen and understand."

His gaze held mine, and I could see the sincerity in his eyes. I wanted to know more about him too. "What about you, Emiliano? What do you do? What's your past like?"

He hesitated for a moment, then sighed, "I've been involved in a lot of things over the years. Business, you could say. Some of it's legitimate, but a lot of it's... not. It's a complicated life, filled with decisions I wish I could change. But I've learned from it, and I'm trying to make things right."

I nodded, absorbing his words. "It sounds like you've had your share of challenges."

"I have," he admitted with a small smile. "But meeting you, getting to know you—it's been a new kind of challenge. And it's worth every bit of effort."

I could feel the intensity of his words in the air between us. Our conversations had drawn us closer, and now the space between us felt charged. Emiliano's hand brushed against mine, and he leaned in slightly, his breath warm on my face. My heart raced as I looked into his eyes, feeling the pull of our shared moments.

Without another word, he closed the distance, pressing his lips gently to mine. The kiss was tender and exploratory, a soft merging of feelings and desires. I responded, savoring the warmth of his lips and the way his hand rested gently on my back. It wasn't a heated encounter, but it was filled with unspoken emotions and a deep connection.

When we finally pulled away, we both smiled, our faces flushed. Emiliano's hand lingered on my cheek, his thumb brushing softly against my skin. "I've wanted to do that for a while," he said, his voice low and sincere.

"So have I," I admitted, leaning into his touch. "It feels right, doesn't it?"

"It does," he agreed, his eyes holding a mixture of relief and affection. "There's something about you, Esmeray. Something that makes me want to be close to you, to protect you."