Eternal Echoes

Chapter One Hundred- Nineteen: Flames

3rd Person POV

Michaella opened the door and froze when she saw Damien standing in front of her. Her heart skipped a beat—she hadn't expected to see him again so soon. It hadn't even been two hours since they parted ways, and yet, here he was.

"Damien?!" she blurted, unable to hide her shock.

He met her eyes, a determined look on his face. "I know we talked about space and taking things slow," he began, stepping closer, his voice steady but tinged with urgency. "But if I took things slow in my life, I wouldn't be where I am today."

Michaella's heart thudded in her chest as he spoke, his presence filling the doorway.

"Michaella, I really like you, and I want you in my life. The day after tomorrow, I have this gala I need to attend." His gaze locked on hers, intense and unwavering. "I'll give you the whole day tomorrow to think. I won't call or show up, I promise. But if you want to be with me, if you feel anything like I do—call me tomorrow night and tell me you'll be my date to the gala."

Her breath caught. "Damien..."

"Don't say anything now," he interrupted, his voice softer, but the intensity in his eyes never wavered. "Just know that I've never been like this with anyone. I'm crazy about you, Michaella." He took another step closer, his gaze burning into hers like he was peering into her soul. "Just say you'll think about it."

His words, so raw and unfiltered, sent a jolt through her. She swallowed, feeling the weight of his confession settle between them.

"Okay," she whispered, her voice barely audible, but it was enough.

He let out a breath he'd been holding, his eyes never leaving hers. "You know," he continued, his voice dropping lower, "all the way home and then driving back here, I was thinking about one thing. One thing I should've done when I dropped you off."

Michaella's brows furrowed slightly, her lips parting as she tried to process his words. "Wha—?"

Before she could finish her question, he moved. In one swift motion, Damien closed the distance between them, his hands finding her waist, pulling her firmly against him. His lips crashed into hers with a fervour that took her breath away.

The kiss was demanding, yet tender, like he'd been holding back everything until this moment. His hands gripped her waist tighter, grounding her as his lips moved against hers with a mixture of hunger and restraint. The warmth of his body, the pressure of his touch, and the sheer intensity of the moment overwhelmed her senses.

Her hands instinctively reached for him, fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as she leaned into him, giving in to the weight of the kiss. His lips softened slightly, slowing, as if savouring the taste of her, as if wanting to memorize every second.

The world outside faded into the background. The only thing that mattered was the heat of his breath mingling with hers, the way his mouth explored hers—demanding, yet gentle, a careful balance of passion and tenderness. There was no hesitation now, no uncertainty. Just the electric connection between them, growing stronger with every heartbeat.

When he finally pulled back, it was slow, reluctant, as if tearing himself away from her was the hardest thing he'd done. His forehead rested against hers, their breaths mingling in the small space between them.

"I couldn't leave without doing that," he whispered, his voice hoarse from the emotions that had driven him to her doorstep.

Michaella's heart raced in her chest, her lips tingling from the intensity of the kiss, her body still pressed close to his.

Damien's eyes flickered open, meeting hers again, and this time they were softer, but no less intense. "I'll wait for your call," he murmured, his thumb brushing against her waist one last time before he pulled away, letting his hand fall.

Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving her standing in the doorway, breathless, her heart pounding in her chest. She watched him until he disappeared down the street, her fingers brushing her lips, still feeling the lingering heat of his kiss.

She closed the door behind her, leaning against it for a moment as she tried to steady her breath. Her mind was spinning, the weight of his words, his touch, still lingering in the air around her.

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That was AMAZINGGGG!!!!!!