BOUND (book 2) ✔

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE.

(Lea's Pov)

A soft groan left my lips as I shifted around. Warm breaths brushed against my neck, making me slowly open my eyes. I blinked repeatedly, pausing to take a breath as I looked up at the ceiling. It was when I looked beside me, memories from last night flashed across my mind.

Every look, every touch, every word - all still so fresh in my mind. I glanced down, seeing Eric's muscular arm swung around my waist. His face was buried into the side of my neck. A smile quivered onto my lips and with shaky hands I reached out, running a hand gently across his arm.

I still couldn't believe it. For a second, I thought it was all just a dream and I was going to wake up any second, but when I felt those tingles - I knew it was real.

He was real.

He was really here.

Swiftly, I turned on my side so I was facing him. A blush burned on my cheeks as I remembered we were both nude under the covers. My eyes widened in realization. We were in a guest bedroom. 

I just prayed nobody heard us.

With a soft sigh, I brushed my fingertips against his cheeks. Surprising me, his eyes fluttered open, a drowsy grin playing on his heart-shaped lips. We held a steady gaze, never daring to break it off. 

""Angel," the name left his lips. Warmth bloomed in my stomach, and my smile widened. God, I'd heard him say it before—but hearing him say it now, so naturally... it did things to my heart. And the memory of him forgiving me replayed again and again in my mind.

"God, it feels so good to have you back in my arms," he murmured, pulling me closer. My heart skipped a beat as he nestled into me, his face resting gently against my chest. A soft gasp slipped from my lips at the sudden closeness.

He chuckled at the sound, the vibration rumbling against my skin.

"E-Eric, we need to go back before someone notices we're missing," I stammered, trying to gather my thoughts while his breath warmed my skin. The air between us felt charged, and every little touch seemed magnified.

As if sensing it, he slowly pulled back, his hand resting across my stomach, just shy of wandering lower.

"It's only four in the morning," he whispered, licking his lips as his fingers traced lazy patterns across my skin. I narrowed my eyes at him, my heart racing. But guilt crept into the moment, tightening my throat.

"What about Janice? She'll notice you're not beside her," I asked, the words trembling out of me.

"She won't," he replied instantly, his voice low—almost a growl. I nodded slowly, biting down on my bottom lip.

"Damn, that drives me crazy, Lea. You already know that," he muttered, gently freeing my lip from between my teeth with his fingers. A blush crept onto my cheeks.

"Sorry," I whispered shyly.

"It's like you're trying to make it impossible for me to behave at this hour," he chuckled softly in my ear. I rolled my eyes, letting out a quiet laugh as I gave his shoulder a light nudge.

"Go back to sleep, Angel. I'll wake you in two hours," he whispered, placing a tender kiss on my forehead before wrapping me in his arms. With a sleepy smile, I let my eyes drift shut, safe and warm in his embrace.

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(Eric's Pov)

I ran a comb through my blonde hair, letting it slick back to how I styled it. I had just stepped outside the shower and I could happily say, I was in a great mood. Of course it was only because of one person; Lea.