31

Chapter 31

My pulse pounded wildly as the kiss unraveled me. The warmth of his mouth, the soft press of his lips, lingered like fire against my skin. It felt too good, too much, and that terrified me.

I jerked back, panic hitting me like a tidal wave. My breath came fast and uneven as I turned away from what had just happened.

"Carl!" Richard's voice called out, sharp and desperate, but I didn't stop.

I bolted toward the manor, my thoughts spinning. What have I done? How could I have been so reckless, so stupid? I kissed my employer's son. Richard Preston, of all people.

I reached the front door, my hands shaking as I shoved it open and stumbled inside. The stillness of the house should have been comforting, but it only amplified the pounding in my chest. I needed space. I needed to think. I needed to get away.

"Carl, wait!"

His voice echoed down the hall, becoming closer. God, why wouldn't he stop? My legs carried me to my room which is my safe place. I slammed the door shut and turned the lock before pressing my back against it as I slid to the floor.

For a moment, all I could hear was my own harsh breathing. My chest ached. What would he think of me?

Then came the knock—a steady but calm rap that still made me flinch.

"Carl." Richard's voice was gentler this time, but no less insistent. "Open the door."

I squeezed my eyes shut. "I'm sorry," I whispered. "I don't know what came over me. You must think I'm..." The words caught in my throat. A creep? A pervert?

"Carl," he called my name softly. "I'm not angry. Please, open the door and let's talk."

I hated the way his wooing voice made my chest tighten. But what was the point of hiding now? I'd already ruined everything. I hesitated, my hand trembling as I turned the lock and opened the door.

Richard was standing there with his face flushed and his hair a little tousled, but his expression was careful, like he was afraid I'd bolt again.

Before I could react, he stepped closer and held my face with a touch so warm it steadied the chaos inside me.

"Richard—" I started, but the words disappeared as he kissed me again.

It wasn't tentative nor careful this time. It was raw and consuming as if he'd been holding back for far too long and couldn't anymore. His arms slid around me, pulling me closer against him, and despite every reason I had to stop this, I found myself clinging to him just as desperately.

"I thought... we were going... to talk," I managed to gasp between his relentless kisses.

He didn't stop and continued trailing his lips over mine as if letting go wasn't an option.

"Richard," I gasped again, finally pulling back with my hands on his chest. "We... we can't."

He leaned his forehead against mine, his breath ragged. "Why?" he murmured with his hoarse voice.

"Because you're my employer's son, which technically makes you my boss," I whispered, though my voice came out soft, unsteady, and far from convincing.

Richard exhaled slowly, his thumb brushing my cheek. "Here's the thing—I couldn't care less."

"You should care," I shot back. "You don't even understand the gravity of what we're doing right now."

His gaze burned into mine. "You think I haven't thought about this? About you? You don't know how long I've wanted, how long I've waited for you to see me."

His words hit me like a blow, breaking through the walls I'd spent so long building. I couldn't move. I couldn't breathe. My entire world narrowed to the man in front of me with the look of longing in his eyes.

"I kissed you," I whispered, the reality of it sinking in. "I kissed you, and I shouldn't have."

"And I don't regret a second of it." He replied firmly. "Do you?" His eyes bore through me looking for an answer.

I didn't answer. I couldn't lie. Not to him and not to myself.

"I know this is a lot and I know you're scared," he said quietly. "But don't push me away. Not now. Not when I've finally got you this close."

I felt myself trembling again, not from fear but from everything I couldn't say. He was too close. His presence too much and his words affecting me in ways I couldn't stop. "I don't understand how you could possibly like me," I inquired. "I don't even understand myself sometimes."

His grip tightened, grounding me. "I want you, Carl. Isn't that clear enough?"

The weight of his words hit me, and I searched his face for any doubt but found none. "H-how?" I stammered.

He cupped my face gently. "Do you want to talk about it?"

I nodded and buried my face into his neck to hide from his inquisitive stare.

"Alright," he muttered as his arms tightened around me, pulling me closer.

After that, all I could hear was our synchronized breathing and heartbeats. I closed my eyes, willing myself to calm down while the weight of Richard's arm around me kept me anchored,

He wasn't letting me go. Not this time.

And the truth was, I wasn't sure I wanted him to.