𝐁eyond the Lens - b.e

48 -

The music "Hurt You" by The Weeknd echoed through the party, each beat resonating in Ellie's chest. She stood there, lost in the crowd, but all her attention was focused on Billie. The previous days had been a mix of electrifying and confusing, and Ellie realized she could no longer ignore the growing attraction between them. Tonight, she was ready to take the plunge.

Spotting Billie pouring herself a drink in the kitchen, Ellie sprang into action. She maneuvered through the crowd, her determination strengthening with each step. She stopped right in front of Billie, surprise and curiosity lighting up Billie's face.

"What are you fucking playing at with me?" Ellie said, her voice more confident than she had expected.

Billie raised an eyebrow, a provocative smile on her lips. "I don't know what you're talking about, Ellie." Her eyes sparkled with confidence, and Ellie couldn't help but be captivated by her attitude.

Without waiting for Billie's response, Ellie took her hand and led her to a quieter corner, though people were still around them, laughing, dancing, and chatting. The atmosphere was electric, and Ellie could feel her heart racing as they moved away from the crowd.

"Is this a game for you?" Ellie asked, moving even closer. Her tone was both challenging and eager, surprising herself with her boldness.

Billie didn't seem fazed. "You're full of surprises tonight. Why do you think I'd be playing games with you?" She toyed with her ring in a seductive manner, her gaze locked on Ellie's.

"Because you're Billie Eilish," Ellie struggled to find her words. "Every girl dreams of having you in her bed... like, really."

"And does that worry you?" Billie shot back, a teasing smile on her lips. The tension between them was palpable, and Ellie began to wonder if she had been too direct.

Ellie held her gaze, her resolve strengthening. "I don't want to waste my time, Billie. I'm here, in front of you, and I don't know where we stand."

Billie took a step closer, their faces now so close that Ellie could smell her perfume. "I don't play with people's feelings. I know what I want."

Ellie shivered at Billie's proximity. "What exactly do you want? Tell me."

Billie smiled wider, a glimmer of challenge in her eyes. "Right now? It's you."

Ellie reacted with an amused pout, unable to hide the blush on her cheeks, feeling a shiver run down her spine.

"Maybe I just want to see how far we can go," Billie replied, her tone now more serious. "I'm here, you're here, and there's clearly something. Why not explore it together?"

The tension escalated. Ellie could feel her heart racing. "And what if it's just a late-night whim?" she asked, trying to maintain a calm facade despite the excitement inside her.

"Then I'd say it's a whim worth exploring, and I'm ready to take the risk," Billie replied with captivating confidence. She stepped even closer, reducing the distance, her voice softening. "But I want you to be on the same page."

Ellie bit her lip, impressed by Billie's determination. "So, what do we do now?"

"We go with the flow," Billie murmured.

The weight of those words intensified the moment. "I really want you, Billie. I want to see how far this can go between us," Ellie whispered as she leaned in, her eyes locked on Billie's.

"I want the same," Billie murmured, leaning in even closer, their faces so near that Ellie could almost feel the warmth of her breath. "I want you to be ready to cross that line."

Ellie swallowed, her lips just inches from Billie's. "What if I'm ready?" she asked, her heart racing.

Billie tilted her head slightly, her eyes sparkling with challenge. "Then what are we waiting for?"

They held that moment, the tension thick, their exchanged glances like a dance. Then, without warning, Billie grabbed Ellie's neck, pulling her closer. Their lips met, more fervent than ever.

Ellie surrendered to the kiss, her hands sliding into Billie's hair as Billie held her firmly, as if she wanted to ensure she wouldn't escape. The passion intensified, and Ellie, caught up in the warmth of the moment, slipped her hands under Billie's shirt, feeling the softness of her skin. Billie let out a sigh of pleasure, and their embrace became more yearning as Ellie deepened the kiss, no longer caring about anyone else.

The music and the noise of the party faded into the background. The intensity of their exchange isolated them, allowing them to explore this new dynamic, each caress heightening the heat between them. Ellie was amazed by the confidence she felt in that moment, as if she had always known she could surrender to this shared desire.

Billie's hands traveled down Ellie's arms, touching her with a softness mixed with burning desire. Billie pulled gently at Ellie's waist, drawing her even closer, their bodies brushing against each other. Their hearts beat in unison, swept up in the adrenaline of this unique moment.

"Do you realize how incredible you are?" Billie whispered between kisses, her warm breath brushing against Ellie's cheek.

Ellie closed her eyes for a moment, savoring every sensation, every shiver that Billie ignited in her. "It's everything I hoped for tonight."

Billie looked at her, a mischievous smile on her lips. "I didn't think you'd be so bold."

Ellie, carried away by the confidence Billie inspired in her, straightened up with a teasing expression. "And I didn't think you'd be so easily charmed."

Billie burst into laughter, a sound that resonated like music in Ellie's ears. This light moment between them brought a new warmth, a camaraderie that went beyond their physical attraction.

But as Billie intensified their embrace, she realized that the sound of laughter and conversations surrounding them hadn't completely faded. She pulled back slightly, a glimmer of surprise in her eyes. Ellie, realizing the situation, smiled nervously. "Yeah, wait, we can't... here."

"Wouldn't you prefer to go somewhere else?" Billie suggested, her gaze still intense. The idea of being interrupted by the party embarrassed her, but the urge to continue this moment one-on-one excited her just as much.

"I know exactly where to go, follow me," Ellie said, taking Billie's hand and leading her through the crowd, her heart racing at the thought of what awaited them. But as they moved forward, they crossed paths with Kate and Zoé. Kate had tears in her eyes. "Shit, Kate, what's wrong?" Ellie asked, rushing toward them and letting go of Billie's hand.

Zoé, her face concerned, spoke softly, "Kate just got dumped over the phone by her good-for-nothing boyfriend."

Ellie paled at this news, her heart tightening. "Oh no, Kate, I'm really sorry. Do you want me to go home with you?" She turned to Billie, hesitation in her eyes.

Kate wiped her tears with a hesitant gesture, shaking her head. "No, really, it's not necessary. I can go home alone."

Ellie stepped closer, placing a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder. "No, Kate, you shouldn't be alone right now. I'm going with you."

Kate tried to smile. "But I don't want to be a bother, Ellie. You're here to have fun."

"I don't mind at all," Ellie insisted, her voice firm but gentle. "You need me, and I'm not leaving you. We're going home together."

Billie, though disappointed, understood the situation. She nodded, encouraging Ellie to be there for her friend. "You should really go, Ellie. Kate needs you."

Kate, a bit hesitant but touched by Ellie's determination, finally agreed. "If you insist. Thank you, Ellie. I feel like such a mess right now, it's awful."

Ellie threw one last look at Billie, a spark of regret in her eyes. "I'm really sorry, Billie."

"Don't worry," Billie replied with a soft smile. "It's important to be there for your friends."

As Ellie and Kate headed toward the exit, Billie watched them walk away, a mix of longing and understanding in her gaze. Ellie knew they would have another moment, someday, but for now, she had to be there for Kate.