OLIVIA:
I was stupid.
I acted on impulse. It was reckless, foolish even, to message Ethan last night. Now, in the harsh light of day, with the bustle of the café surrounding me—the clinking of cups, the hum of conversations— it all feels overwhelming. I realize just how much I shouldn't have messaged him.
Last night when I was writing a scene, a sudden thought crossed my mind. I know that whenever Ethan is present. I find myself bewitched by him, succumbing to him like a docile being.
It was a curse.
He was like a warlock, and I, his beguiled.
So, I thought if he was going to bewitch me with his strange, unspoken allure, then I was going to use it to my advantage.
Now, as I watch him at the table, radiating confidence in his snug black T-shirt that accentuated his toned physique and impeccably tailored grey dress pants, I can't help but feel a rush of desire. He was utterly captivating, a sight worth salivating over. Yet, beneath that allure, a wave of regret washed over me; I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had made a mistake.
Normally, I’m the one out front, taking orders. But today I was working in the kitchen, which I welcomed as a small mercy. The heat from the stoves does little to calm my nerves building inside me. After gathering myself with a few, slow, deliberate breaths, I step out into the seating area. At first, Ethan is busy typing on his phone but as I approach him, he glances up, and for a brief moment, surprise flickers in his eyes—followed by something else, something unreadable.
His eyes linger, taking in my attire before it fully sets on my face and I feel the weight of it as I draw closer, heart pounding despite my best efforts to seem composed.
“You work here,” it is not a question but a statement as he follows me with his eyes. I sit on the seat opposite him and nod.
“Yeah. It's more of a part-time job but I do it full-time until I start working on my book.”
I gesture to Nick, my co-worker, to come here.
“What will you have?” I ask Ethan, he is still looking at me with those… tempting eyes.
“You work here, order something that you like.”
I don't know why a shiver runs through my body as he orders me. It was not even an order.
Control, Olive.
“I– Any allergies that I should be aware of?”
His eyes glint with something I can't decipher as he shakes his head.
I nod and order my favorite milkshake and sandwich for Ethan and water for myself.
After Nick strolls off, Ethan looks at me with an arched brow.
“You’re not eating?”
“Umm– No?”
Ethan looks at me as if he knows something that I am not aware of. His jaw clenches as if my hunger is a big deal for him.
My stomach flutters for a reason unknown to me as I clear my throat.
“Have you eaten, then?”
“I’m sorry?”
He clicks his tongue.
“Have you eaten yet?” He repeats, and I narrow my eyes.
YOU ARE READING
Connection | 18+
Romance"I want you to have control." He was supposed to be my mentor, and I, his mentee. Instead, he became a warlock, and I, his beguiled. In the middle of their secrecy, they will find a connection they had never before. Secrets will be unfolded that the...
