Love Rivals: The Day I Saw Your Tears

133. I Can't Either...

(Ryan's Pov)

I had been fighting this urge for days, convincing myself I could control it. But standing just inches from her, with her soft breaths grazing my skin, all my resolve crumbled. It started as a harmless tease, but when her hand rested on my chest, I felt my pulse quicken, my breath caught in my throat.

Her eyes met mine, and it was over for me. The restraint I’d practiced shattered. The urge to make her mine consumed me, and I acted on instinct. My lips brushed her neck, and the softness of her skin ignited something fierce inside me. I could feel the rush of blood in my veins, matching the wild rhythm of my heartbeat. I had never wanted anything so badly in my life.

I pulled back, just enough to see her reaction, and when her eyes fluttered shut, I knew. I had her. It made me crave her even more. I leaned in, my lips hovering near hers, but I noticed how she pressed them together, holding herself back. A smile crept onto my face as I felt the intensity of her grip on my shirt—one of the buttons even popped off.

I leaned toward her ear, my lips brushing against it as I whispered, "Will you still be able to share the same room?"

She buried her face in my chest, her silent nod of ‘no’ making my pulse race even faster. Her answer sent a wave of longing through me that was impossible to ignore.

I muttered softly, barely able to control the desire in my voice, "I won’t either…  I won’t be able to stop myself from crossing the line."

I stepped back, needing space to breathe, to gather myself. She quickly turned and walked towards the door, her movements fast but uncertain, like she was trying to escape the same overwhelming sensations that had consumed me. I watched her go, my heart still pounding in my chest.

Needing space, I headed to the balcony, the cool night air hitting my skin, but it did little to calm the storm inside me. I leaned over the railing, trying to steady my thoughts, my emotions in turmoil. The city lights flickered below, distant and indifferent, but nothing could distract me from what had just happened. Her warmth, her touch—it lingered, impossible to shake.

I glanced down from the balcony and spotted her outside, standing near the entrance, her hands gripping the edge of her saree. She looked just as rattled as I felt, her posture tense, as if she was trying to pull herself together. A small, knowing smile spread across my face—she was feeling it too.

Looking down at my shirt, I noticed the missing button, where her fingers had gripped me so tightly. I smiled to myself like a fool. Every time I replayed the moment in my mind—her touch, her breath, the way she looked at me—it stirred something wild and uncontrollable. The fire inside me hadn’t dimmed; if anything, it burned hotter.
I couldn’t stop thinking about the way her body had responded to mine, it was intoxicating.

After a while, I composed myself and returned to the hall. I exchanged a few words with my friend, wished him well, and made my exit. As I stepped outside, I spotted Sarah still standing near the entrance, fidgeting with the edge of her saree. Her face was a mixture of emotions she was trying to contain, but her eyes betrayed her, still affected by what had happened earlier.

I cleared my throat gently. “Shall we go?” I asked, my voice softer than usual.

She gave a small nod, without a word, and quietly slid into the passenger seat. Her usual energy seemed to have faded, replaced by a composed silence.

I hesitated for a moment before turning the key, but something inside me wanted to speak. “Will you…” I began, but before I could finish, she interrupted me.

“Please just drop me at my house,” she said, her voice calm but laced with an unspoken plea.

I nodded silently.

The drive to her house was quiet, the air between us heavy with unspoken words. Each glance I stole at her while driving stirred something inside me.

She sat still, eyes forward, but I couldn’t help but notice the subtle rise and fall of her breath, as if she was trying to calm the storm inside her, just as I was.