Connection | 18+

Chapter Five

OLIVIA:

   As Dan’s footsteps faded into the distance, leaving an echoing silence in his wake, Ethan’s words hung heavy in the air.

   ‘It’s only us then.’

   The weight of his words settles on my shoulders. It didn’t change the overwhelming emotions I was feeling but I did feel kind of relieved that I didn’t have to face Dan anymore.

   I shift on my feet and focus on Ethan instead of the sudden need to scrub my hands clean.

   His eyes were still the same as last time.

   Dark.

   Intimidating.

   Commanding.

   But tonight, there was an unspoken depth in those dark eyes; a silent storm hinted at emotions yet to be revealed and some insinuated secrets yet to be unfolded.

   Have you ever encountered eyes so compelling, so authoritative that you couldn’t help but yield? The kind of gaze that could effortlessly compel you to fulfill their every desire, reducing you to your knees in unwavering obedience.

   I’ve only ever encountered those types of eyes in my faceless dreams and the books I read or write about.

   And yet, here was this man before me, perched like a deity, his posture exuding an air of authority as if he had conquered the world, surveying my body with an intenseness that left me feeling exposed. Inspecting me as if he had every right to. Even in my clothing, I sensed a vulnerability, as if his eyes had stripped me bare.

   What was this man doing to me?

   I swear to God, he had done some witchcraft on me.

   I scratch my neck before coughing to gain his attention.

   Not that it mattered as it was already on mine.

   “I should be leaving then.” I turn around to leave, not having enough power in me to continue staring at his eyes.

   “And as I mentioned a few minutes ago, dinner is yet to be served. So, sit down,” he commands, his tone laced with a preeminent presence that brooked no dissent.

   Before I could restrain my movements, my feet acquiesced to his unspoken command. I move toward the couch opposite him, a surrender to his authority that my mind struggles to fully grasp. 

   His unwavering attention remains fixated on me, his eyes meticulously tracking every movement of mine.

   I blink, my brows furrowing as I pondered how effortlessly he could divert every thought and concern of mine with just a mere command, leaving me bewildered and unable to fully grasp the swiftness of his influence.

   I shake my head and focus on him, trying to see if he is hypnotizing me or something.

   “Look, whatever you think you are doing. Stop it,” I breathed out, trying to calm myself down from whatever spell he had cursed on me.

   His eyes hold a glint of amusement. My heart stammers in my chest. He quirks an eyebrow at me, silently asking me what I am talking about.

   My throat constricts as I reach up to touch the heated skin of my neck, my trembling hands struggling to steady themselves. However, this time the quivering was not a result of anxiety and panic.

   This time, it was because of him.

   Simply, just because he was too hot and suddenly, I was too desperate to stop my thighs from clenching. His overwhelming attractiveness had stirred an undeniable desire in me, causing my body to involuntarily respond to it.