As he softly brushed a strand of hair from her face, Barlowâs voice lowered to a tender whisper.
âIt doesnât matter who you fancy, Karina.
Youâve seen me completely, and now youâre mine.
â
Her gaze remained fixed on him, her mind reeling from the realization she had just made.
She had unmistakably seen that Barlow wasnât breathing.
How could he still be alive?
Yet the man before her bore Barlowâs exact appearance, his speech, even the distinctive birthmark on his body.
Was it merely a coincidence, or was Barlow truly still alive?
Slowly, Karina raised her hand to touch his face, her voice barely above a whisper.
âWho on earth are you?â
Her eyes, wide and expectant, searched his for an answer.
Barlow looked down at her, temp
ging a playful smirk as he gently held her chin.
âHoney, Iâm your boyfriend.
â
He wasnât entirely lying.
Regardless of his true identity, he considered himself hers.
Her lips, just inches from his, exuded an inviting sweetness, urging him closer.
He swallowed, his Adamâs apple bobbing as he leaned in for a kiss.
But as he moved to kiss her, Karina turned her head, avoiding his lips.
His mouth brushed past, landing near her ear.
Barlow sighed, a mix of desire and frustration within him.
He caressed her cheek gently, his voice husky with longing.
âKarina, donât you want my kiss?â
As she felt the desire in his gaze, she pushed him away resolutely.
âCarlow, your help doesnât mean you can take advantage of me,â she asserted firmly.
Perhaps his remarkable resemblance to Barlow was simply a coincidence.
She couldnât allow herself to become attached to him over this.
Noticing her expression turn icy, Barlow felt frustrated but understood he deserved it.
Sitting up straight, he nodded in acknowledgment.
âI apologize for rushing things.
I shouldnât desire intimacy with you, even if we are in a relationship.
Donât worry, I wonât force you.
If you prefer a platonic relationship, Iâm okay with that.
â