† 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 † Angels Love

Chapter 23

Star's POV

The rain poured down, soaking me to the bone, but I barely noticed. My mind was a storm of its own, emotions swirling and clashing like thunderclouds. I couldn't believe what Christopher had just said, couldn't believe the cold, cruel words that had come from his lips. 

"You lost the bet. I don't love you." 

The words echoed in my head, a haunting refrain that made my chest ache.

I had turned away, tears mixing with the rain as I stumbled forward, my feet moving on instinct, carrying me away from him. But then I heard his voice, sharp and clear through the downpour, calling my name.

"Starly!"

I stopped, my heart skipping a beat. I couldn't bring myself to turn around. I was too afraid of what I'd see in his eyes—anger, indifference, anything but the love I so desperately hoped for. I stood there, rain drenching my clothes, my hair clinging to my face, feeling like I was standing on the edge of a cliff, waiting to fall.

I felt a pull, an invisible thread tugging at me, drawing me back to him. I turned slowly, my heart in my throat, and saw him standing there, drenched, his eyes locked onto mine. There was something different in his gaze now, something I couldn't quite place.

He took a step toward me, his eyes never leaving mine. "I want you to break a rule," he said, his voice low and commanding. My breath caught in my throat. This was it. The bet. I had lost, and now he was claiming his prize. My mind raced, a thousand thoughts colliding at once, but one stood out above all others: I still wanted him. Despite everything, I still wanted to be near him, to touch him, to feel his arms around me.

"You lost the bet, Starly," he said again, stepping closer, his voice steady, his expression unreadable. "Kiss me. Touch me. That's the rule I want you to break."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, a mix of fear and desire tightening my chest. I stared at him, searching his face for any sign of the Christopher I knew—the Christopher who had held me when I was scared, who had kissed me like I was the only person in the world. I wanted to see past the hardness in his eyes, past the anger and the hurt. I wanted to see the truth.

"Christopher," I whispered, my voice trembling. I didn't know what to say, didn't know if I could trust what I was feeling. The rain was cold against my skin, but his gaze was hot, burning into me, melting away my doubt. I took a hesitant step forward, my heart pounding so loudly I was sure he could hear it.

He reached out, his hand finding my cheek, his touch gentle despite the tension I felt coiled beneath his skin. His thumb brushed away the raindrops that clung to my face, and I closed my eyes at the warmth of his touch. It was the first time I'd felt warm all day. His other hand slid to my waist, pulling me against him, and I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

This is what I wanted. I couldn't deny it anymore. I wanted him, needed him, more than I'd ever needed anything. Even if this was just a game to him, even if he was only doing this to claim his victory, I didn't care. I was tired of fighting, tired of holding back. For once, I wanted to feel something real.

His lips brushed mine, hesitant at first, testing. And then, as if some barrier had broken, he kissed me harder, his mouth demanding and hungry. I melted into him, my hands sliding up to his chest, my fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt. The rain fell around us, a relentless downpour, but I barely felt it. All I felt was him—the warmth of his body, the taste of his lips, the strength of his arms around me.

The kiss deepened, our mouths moving together, the world around us disappearing. I could feel the tension in him, the desperation, the same need that was driving me. My heart pounded against his chest, my breath mingling with his, and for a moment, everything else faded away. There was no bet, no rules, no fear. Just us.