𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐱 | 18 +

𝐓 𝐇 𝐈 𝐑 𝐓 𝐘 - 𝐅 𝐈 𝐕 𝐄

Carter

I lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling with a small, content smile playing on my lips. The previous night with Juliet was... incredible. I didn't expect to feel so good, so connected, not just physically but emotionally too. The way her hands moved over my skin, the way she kissed me, the way we moved together, it was like nothing I'd ever experienced before. My body still hummed with the memory of it, warmth spreading through me as I replayed every moment in my head.

I heard the sound of the shower turning off in the bathroom, the water cutting out abruptly, and a few moments later, Juliet appeared in the doorway, her damp hair falling over her shoulders, and a towel wrapped around her body. She caught my eye and smiled, that easy, beautiful smile that always made my heart skip a beat. I couldn't help but grin back at her, feeling the pull of her even from across the room.

She padded over to the bed, the soft sound of her bare feet on the hardwood floor almost drowned out by the rain still tapping against the window. She slipped into bed beside me, her warmth immediately enveloping me as she snuggled close, her damp skin brushing against mine. We were both exhausted, the long day of shooting taking its toll on our bodies, but there was also this strange kind of energy between us, something that couldn't be dampened, no matter how tired we were.

"The movie's almost done." Juliet murmured as she settled beside me, her head resting on my shoulder. Her fingers absentmindedly traced patterns on my arm, and I could feel her relaxing, the tension of the day melting away.

"Yeah." I agreed, sighing softly as I let myself sink further into the bed, feeling the weight of the day ease. "Only a couple more weeks, and then we're done."

"Then we can finally take that vacation." she added, her voice a little dreamy as she closed her eyes, clearly imagining the break that was just around the corner.

The thought of being able to spend time together without the pressure of work made me feel lighter, like I could finally breathe. I turned my head to look at her, a smile tugging at my lips. "I want to take you on a proper date after all of this is done." I said softly, my voice almost hesitant as I shared the thought that had been on my mind for a while now. "Once the shooting is over, and the stress and work have calmed down. Something where it's just you and me, no cameras, no stunts, no lines to memorise, just us."

Juliet opened her eyes and looked up at me, her expression softening as she took in my words. Her smile grew, and she shifted slightly, bringing herself closer. "That sounds like an amazing idea, baby." she whispered, her eyes shining with something that made my chest feel warm. "I'd love that."

Her words filled me with a kind of happiness I hadn't felt in a long time. I grinned at her, my heart swelling with the thought of having something as simple as a date to look forward to. I couldn't wait to do all the little things, take her somewhere special, share a meal, hold her hand as we walked without thinking about anything else but each other.

I couldn't stop the playful grin that spread across my face as I rolled over on top of her, pinning her gently beneath me. My fingers brushed a stray strand of hair from her face as I looked down at her, and the way her eyes softened as they met mine made my breath catch in my throat.

"You know." I began, my voice low as I leaned down slightly, my lips brushing against her forehead. "I can really see a future with you, Juliet. Something real, something... beautiful. I feel like we've been through so much in such a short time, but it only makes me want more. I can see a true relationship forming between us, one that I've never had before. Something I never thought I could have."

Juliet's gaze softened even more, her hands sliding up my sides and resting gently on my hips. Her fingers lightly traced patterns on my skin, sending little sparks of warmth through me. She was quiet for a moment, just looking at me with that intense, thoughtful expression she had when she was really considering something.

"I feel the same way, Carter." she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper but filled with so much sincerity that it made my heart ache. "I don't think I've felt this strongly about someone in a long time, maybe ever. You're... you're different. In all the best ways. I think we could have something amazing together."

Her words made my heart race, and I couldn't help the wide grin that spread across my face. I leaned down and kissed her softly, pouring everything I felt into that kiss, the hope, the excitement, the love that was starting to grow inside me. Her lips were soft and warm, and when she kissed me back, I felt everything in the world fall away, leaving just us.

When I pulled back, her eyes were still on mine, and for the first time in a long while, I felt truly happy. Not just content, but happy, like the world had shifted, and everything was exactly as it should be.

"I can't wait to see where this goes." I whispered, brushing my thumb across her cheek. "With you."

Juliet smiled up at me, her hands tightening around my waist. "Neither can I." she whispered back, her voice full of the same excitement and hope that I felt. "Let's make this ours."

And in that moment, I knew we would. Whatever came next, whatever challenges or joys, I knew we would face them together. We were just beginning, but something told me this was the start of something beautiful.

————————————————————————————————————

~ R