REDEMPTION (Ongoing)

Five years have passed. Theresa Young has learnt that perfection is a lie. And she has had her share of truths--- but when Hardin Scott walks back into her stabilizing life, who's gonna tell her that truths hadn't left her trail in the first place.

*

Hardin takes a lazy sip from his filled glass, his eyes never leaving mine. He twirls the liquid in his mouth and then achingly slow, straightens his hand pouring the alcohol to the floor in a seductive gleaming stream in front of me.

It isn't as slow as it feels as the dazzling stream patters and bounces off the black tile in spurts. And it isn't something I should feel aroused by- but-

Almost when the unending stream was about to stop, he flicks his fingers through them and droplets splash onto my face, dripping down my neck.

His hand closes around my hollow under my jaw, his finger tips trailing the line of the drops with the base of his palm resting on the burgeoning curve of my chest.

My breath catches inside me, his fingers keep gliding, his eyes fixed on his movement.

I close my eyes again, my chest silently heaving in the utter silence of the room and I feel him walk around to stand behind me, his arm on my neck wrapping around to trap me on his hold.

His other hand holding the glass in a fist, presses down against my stomach, pushing me further into the hard contours of his body.

"Did you get so upset when he bought the ring for you?" He breathes, his nose digging into the skin below my ear and his face drawn into a deep, painful scowl.

My knees turn weak and I feel so overcome with desire that I'm afraid I might pass out, as he bends down to nuzzle the nape of my neck, his tongue lapping away the essence of the liquor.

*

Friends leave. Lovers betray. But maybe some love stories don't end when they do.

How much has Tessa changed? What does Hardin want now?

Is it finally time for the happily ever after? Or is it too late for redemption?