Loved With Measures is a collection of passionate, heart-stopping one-shot romances that explore love in all its complexities-across age gaps, forbidden desires, dangerous liaisons, and unexpected encounters. From the sun-drenched beaches of the Mal...
The late afternoon sun slanted through the tall windows of the music academy, gilding the polished wood floors with golden light. Elena Moreau adjusted the sheet music on the stand, her fingers lingering over the notes as if drawing courage from the familiar patterns. At twenty-two, she had a presence that was quietly commanding—a gentle smile, shy eyes, and a poise that belied her youth.
Across the room, Loann Duvall leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, watching her. His chest tightened, an ache he had carried for years. Twelve years older than Elena, a musician, a mentor, and Axel's best friend, he had been there for her through family dinners, recitals, and casual summer gatherings. And for twelve years, he had loved her silently.
She doesn't know. She can't. She's too young, too innocent, too... untouchable, he reminded himself, the ache in his chest twisting every time her laugh echoed across the room.
He remembered the first time he noticed her—sixteen, bright-eyed, helping her brother Axel with his piano practice. She had bent over the keys, her hair tumbling in a loose braid, completely unaware of the storm she had unleashed in him. He had left that day with a knot in his stomach, promising himself that he would never betray her trust.
And he hadn't. Not yet.
But now, years later, the distance between them felt thinner. Every glance, every accidental brush of fingers, sent shivers down his spine. And Elena... she had grown into someone radiant, graceful, yet still unassuming in a way that made his heart race.
"Loann," Elena said softly, glancing up from the music. "Do you think the modulation in this piece works, or should I keep it more restrained?"
His gaze softened. "It works," he said quietly, though his voice carried more than critique—it carried a longing he could never voice. "You bring it to life."
Elena blushed, a faint pink rising to her cheeks. "You always say that."
Because I mean it. Every time I see you, every note you play... He forced the words back down, hiding the storm in his chest behind a neutral smile.
"Come on, Axel will kill us if we keep him waiting," he said, shifting the conversation.
Elena laughed softly, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "You always save me from the wrath of my older brother."
And yet you're the only one I've ever wanted to protect like this...
The rest of the afternoon passed in music, soft laughter, and subtle glances. But Loann left the academy that day with a knot in his chest, the old ache deeper than ever.
I can't. I won't. The age gap... the trust... Axel... I'll wait. Always wait. Until she's truly mine...
And somewhere in the back of his mind, a dangerous thought lingered: But what if waiting makes it impossible to resist her when the time comes?
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
