Heartless (Completed)

Chapter 27

Chapter 27

"Stand up." My voice was firm as I spoke to him, yet he remained on the floor, too intoxicated to obey. His body lay limp, heavy with the weight of alcohol, and I found myself helpless but to grab his arm and pull him upright, though every fiber of my being protested under the strain.

He was far heavier than I had anticipated, and my breaths grew labored as I fought to keep him steady. Once I managed to get him on his feet, I wrapped one of his arms around my shoulders, while my free hand gripped his waist for support. We stumbled awkwardly together, teetering as though we might fall, but I managed to regain balance just in time.

My chest heaved with effort as we climbed the stairs, each step a grueling task until, at last, we reached the bedroom. Gently, I laid him on the bed, adjusting his legs and head to ensure he was comfortable. A sigh of relief escaped my lips as I prepared to leave, but just as I moved away, I gasped. His hand gripped my arm, pulling me off balance, and before I knew it, I fell against his broad chest.

Shit!

"Art, w-what are you doing?" I stammered, my voice trembling.

Slowly, he opened his eyes and locked them with mine. I swallowed hard as his gaze pierced through me. His eyes spoke volumes—of pain, of longing, of love—and the weight of it left me weak. I knew those emotions weren't meant for me. They were for Elisse. Not me.

Tears blurred my vision as I fought the growing ache in my chest. Damn it, now I was crying in front of him.

"Stop crying, baby. I'm here. I won't leave you again." His voice, thick with pain, broke my heart further. I bit down on my lower lip, trying to contain the sorrow that threatened to overwhelm me. I wanted to smile for him, to pretend I wasn't hurting, but it was impossible.

"Stay with m-me, please."

But, I'm not Elisse! My mind screamed, but my body betrayed me, and before I realized it, I nodded. I didn't know why, but for once in my life, I wanted to be selfish. Just this once, I wanted to know what it felt like to be loved by Art Jake Monteleone, even if it meant pretending to be someone else.

"I'll stay," I whispered, forcing a smile that didn't reach my eyes. I watched as his expression softened, the anguish in his eyes fading away. How beautiful they were, even if they weren't meant for me.

Tears still clung to my lashes as I gasped when, without warning, he shifted our positions. Now, he was above me, his weight pressing down, his breath warm against my skin.

"I love you," he murmured, and with that, his lips claimed mine. Soft at first, then hungrier, more desperate. My eyes fluttered shut as I surrendered to the kiss, feeling his need in every touch. When he moved to my neck, his hands roamed my back, sending shivers through me.

"Art," I breathed, my voice cracking into a moan. He didn't stop, didn't let up, as though he'd been starving for this moment.

But then, suddenly, he stopped. His eyes bore into mine, filled with an intensity that made my heart clench.

"Marry me."

His words hung in the air, choking me. I sat up abruptly, staring at him in disbelief. How could I have forgotten? He wasn't thinking of me. He was thinking of her. Of Elisse. The pain in my chest constricted, and I couldn't stop the tears from falling again. He didn't feel anything for me. Not even a sliver of affection.

When I didn't answer, he gently eased me back onto the bed, but I turned away from him, curling up on my side. I gasped when he wrapped his arms around me from behind, pulling me close.