Alive

13

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~~~~~~⚫️Chapter 13⚫️~~~~~~
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I stared at him, breath catching in my throat as his gaze met mine. His eyes were a dark, impenetrable black, but for a split second, a flash of brown glimmered in my mind—warm, familiar, a shade that made my heart skip in recognition. Images began to surface, fleeting memories I couldn't hold onto. A party, the feel of his hands on my body, his breath warm against my neck. A thrill ran through me, sharp and intoxicating, and I staggered back, trying to make sense of it all.

He smirked, leaning in just slightly, his eyes narrowing as he studied me. "Hi, doll face," he said, his voice low, smooth, laced with a teasing edge that made my heart pound.

The sound of that nickname snapped something into place. I knew him. I knew him. My head felt like it was splitting open as the memories began to flood back, fragments of a life I couldn't fully grasp. But one thing was clear, as undeniable as the thundering of my pulse.

"Koda," I breathed, the name slipping out like a long-lost truth. I could see him now—his brown eyes, mischievous and intense, staring into mine across a room filled with laughter and music. I remembered his hands on me, his touch both gentle and possessive, the way he looked at me like I was the only thing in the world that mattered. The memories were hazy, like trying to see through a fog, but they were there, real and undeniable.

His smirk deepened as he watched the realization dawn on my face. "There she is," he murmured, his voice soft but taunting. "I was wondering how long it would take you to remember."

I shook my head, trying to clear the haze that still clung to my mind. "Koda... I don't... I don't understand. How are you here? Why can't I remember everything?"

He chuckled, crossing his arms over his chest as he leaned back, his gaze never leaving mine. "What's the matter, doll face? Thought you'd seen the last of me?" His voice was dripping with sarcasm, but there was an edge to it, something darker lurking beneath the surface.

"I... I don't know what happened," I stammered, feeling my cheeks flush under his intense gaze. "Everything's just... blank. But you... I remember you."

He tilted his head, a glimmer of satisfaction flashing in his eyes. "Of course you do. I left a pretty lasting impression, didn't I?" He grinned, but there was something almost predatory in his smile, a confidence that sent a shiver down my spine. "Bet you missed me."

I swallowed, struggling to find the words. I remembered the feel of his hands, his breath against my skin, his laugh in my ear. But I also remembered fear, an intensity in him that had both drawn me in and terrified me. "I don't understand what's happening, Koda," I whispered, feeling vulnerable, exposed under his knowing gaze. "I thought... I thought you were just a part of my past."

He let out a low chuckle, taking a step closer, his presence overwhelming. "Oh, doll face, I'm more than just your past. You and I? We've got history. And now..." He trailed off, his eyes darkening with a promise that made my stomach twist. "Now, we've got unfinished business."

"Unfinished business?" I echoed, barely able to keep my voice steady. Memories of his touch, his laughter, his whispered promises flickered in my mind, pulling me back to a time I couldn't fully remember but felt deep in my bones.