On my way to hell

chapter 6

Alexandra Bariso

A king belongs on his throne, but for me, he kneels, his love greater than any crown.

I sat on the edge of my bed, knees drawn close to my chest, while he sat on the floor in front of me, his presence overwhelming yet oddly comforting. The king of the most powerful nation—my soulmate—was right there, and it felt surreal.

His gaze was steady, holding mine with an intensity that made my heart race. I hugged my knees tighter, grappling with my fears. The memories of my past loomed large, reminding me of the powerful man I had run from. I wasn't ready to dive into another intense relationship, especially not with someone like him.

Finally, the silence grew too heavy to bear. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my voice. "What... What is your name?"

His hand brushed lightly against my cheek, a feather-soft touch that lingered just long enough to calm the storm inside me. Then, his fingers moved to my shoulder, warm and steady. It wasn't a touch of desire or possession—it was a touch of reassurance. A wordless promise. With that simple gesture, I knew he would be there, my constant, the one who would hold me steady when everything else crumbled.

For a moment, I closed my eyes, letting the comfort of his touch wash over me. I felt the tension ease from my body as the safety of his presence settled deep in my bones.

Then, his voice came—low, gentle, like the murmur of a stream. "My name is Christopher."

The sound of his name seemed to echo in the space between us, soft yet powerful. In my mind,I found myself calling him my love without even thinking. The connection was undeniable, as if it had been there all along, waiting for this moment to surface.

He smiled, as if he could hear the unspoken name in my thoughts. "My starlight," he whispered, the nickname tender and full of meaning, "I like the way you call me 'my love'... but now, tell me, what is your name?"

His words wrapped around me like the softest embrace. He wasn't rushing me or demanding anything; he was giving me space, yet pulling me closer all the same. His understanding was so complete, it felt as though he already knew me—the real me—even without hearing my name.

I opened my eyes and met his gaze, feeling a warmth spreading through my chest. This moment felt like the beginning of something deeper, something that went beyond words.

After a few moments stretched between us, I finally managed to whisper, "Alexandra."

His eyes sparkled with warmth, and he softly replied, "Alexandra, what a beautiful name you have, my starlight." The moment he called me starlight again, a soothing warmth spread through me, washing away my insecurities. It was as if his words were a balm, reassuring me that I was worthy of this moment.

But then, the reality of my situation crashed back in, and I sighed, "I cannot come with you right now."

His expression shifted almost imperceptibly, sadness flickering in his eyes, quickly replaced by a fierce determination. "Starlight," he began, his voice thick with urgency, "I can't live without you. Every moment apart feels like I'm on my way to hell. But I know that with you, the journey will transform into the most comfortable and heavenly experience of my life. Come with me. I promise you'll have your own room and personal space to settle in."

As he spoke, I caught a glimpse of his own insecurities lurking beneath the surface—something raw and unguarded that made my heart ache for him. The way he was fighting against his fears resonated deeply with me, and I wanted to offer him the same comfort he was extending to me.