Frayed Bonds

Temptations and restraints

LYDIA'S POV

As I sit in class, my mind wanders back to the unsettling scene in Emily's room. My heart remains troubled, filled with thoughts of horror. Is there more to what I saw? I wonder.

With 30 minutes until my classes start, I take out my phone and text William on WhatsApp.

"Hey handsome, I'm thinking of you."

His response comes quickly.

"Hey beautiful, you must be in school right now. How's your morning? Did you dream about me?"

I smile at his silly question.

"Of course, my fine sir, I had all kinds of dreams about you."

William replies promptly.

"What time do your classes end? I'll come pick you up so you can tell me all about it, sweetness."

My stomach fills with butterflies at the thought of seeing him again.

"My classes end around lunchtime today."

"I'll send my driver to pick you up and bring you to my office. Enjoy your day, sweetness."

As I smile and bite my lip, my friend Mendy walks in.

"Giiiiirl, with that smile, I'm sure there's a boy behind it."

I blush, remaining silent.

My relationship with William, who's older than me, is a secret.

If anyone knew, it could ruin his reputation and mine too.

My dad would kill me.

Before I know it, my classes are over, and I'm waiting by the gate for William's driver.

As I wait, a mix of excitement and nervousness swirls inside me. My heart races at the thought of seeing William again. Despite our daily conversations, the distance feels unbearable. I miss him terribly - the way he smiles, his gentle touch, and his soothing voice.

WILLIAM'S POV

I check my watch, expecting Lydia's arrival. My assistant knocks on the door.

"Sir, the car is ready to pick up Miss Lydia."

"Thank you, James. Ensure everything is in order for her visit."

I recall our last conversation, pleasant as always. Lydia's company is enjoyable, and I appreciate her warmth.

My phone buzzes. James again.

"Sir, Miss Lydia is on her way."

I nod, preparing for our meeting.

My phone buzzes. "Sir, Miss Lydia is here," James announces.

"Send her in, James. Thank you."

I rise to greet Lydia with a light hug and a peck on the cheek, then pull out a chair for her.

"Hey, beautiful. So, how was your day?" I ask, offering a reassuring smile to ease her visible unease.

"It went well, thank you," she replies, her eyes sparkling.

I gesture to the spread behind the door. "Would you like something to drink or eat? I wasn't sure what you'd like."

As we sit and indulge in conversation, I inquire, "What did you dream about, sweetness?" I sip my scotch, curiosity piqued.

Her cheeks flush. "Well, you... were doing all kinds of things to me. I mean, you can imagine." She glances down, voice barely above a whisper. "I woke up with my panties soaked."

I clear my throat, my expression serious. "Lydia, I need to tell you something. Please stay calm." Her body tenses.

"Lydia, I can't be intimate with you until you're of age. Our relationship is complicated. If it gets out, I'll be ruined, and your parents will be furious. I could even go to jail."

Tears well up in her eyes as she sobs, "But I love you, William. What am I supposed to do with all these feelings?"

She stands, approaching me with desperation in her eyes. "I want you, William, as much as you want me."

My voice firm, I intervene, "Lydia, stop. Please don't do that again."

She jolts, and I swiftly envelop her in a comforting hug. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap. Just give it time, okay?"

Lydia composes herself, her eyes still glistening. "I should go," she says, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I'll have James drive you home," I offer, walking her to the door.

As we stand in the doorway, Lydia looks up at me, her gaze searching. I offer a reassuring smile.

"Everything will work out, Lydia. Just be patient."

She nods, though uncertainty lingers on her face.

"Thank you, William," she says softly.

I brush a strand of hair behind her ear, my touch gentle. "Take care, Lydia."

With a quiet nod, she turns and walks out of my office, leaving me with more questions than answers.

As the door closes behind her, I release a deep breath, my thoughts swirling.

James appears at my side. "Shall I escort Miss Lydia to the car, sir?"

"Yes, thank you, James."

I watch through the window as Lydia disappears into the evening, her slender figure fading into the distance.

My phone buzzes, breaking the spell. I have work to attend to.

But my mind lingers on Lydia.