chapter56

Our eyes locked in the dim light.

His arm tightened around me, pulling me so close I could hardly breathe. My strength began to fail; the hands that had been pushing him away grew weak, eventually coming to rest gently against his waist. I felt him tense for a heartbeat under my touch.

Then, he tilted his head and captured my lips with his.

The kiss was sudden and staggering. I felt as though a live wire had been tripped within me, leaving me too breathless to resist. He cradled the back of my head, deepening the embrace until the world began to spin.

As I struggled for air, intrusive images of Matthew and Melanie’s betrayal flashed through my mind. Instead of repelling me, they fueled a sudden, desperate hunger for this thrill—a way to overwrite the pain. Driven by a volatile mix of alcohol, rage, and a need for revenge, I pressed into him, returning the kiss with a fervor that matched his own.

Gradually, the haunting images faded. My mind went blank, replaced only by the singular desire to prolong this moment.

Finally, Atlas released me. I took a deep, ragged breath, not daring to meet his eyes. I reached for my wine, intending to take another swallow, but he swiftly intercepted the glass.

“No more drinking,” he said, his voice turning stern.

I squinted at him, my vision blurred. “Why do you care? I bought it with my own money. Do you think I’m made of gold?” My words were slurred, my tongue thick from the wine.

I used to drink to celebrate; now, it only left me feeling bitter and numb.

“I want to toast to the past! I want a fresh start!” I shouted the words at the rushing river, my voice echoing in the night. I let out a jagged giggle and collapsed into his arms.

“Stay with me,” he insisted, lifting me effortlessly. “I’ll help you.”

His words were a puzzle my sluggish brain couldn't solve. I felt as though I were floating in a dream as he carried me away. Deep in my subconscious, a small voice warned me to keep my distance from this man, but the darkness soon took over.

I woke up the next morning to a pounding headache. I rolled over, feeling utterly drained, my body heavy with exhaustion. I didn't want to open my eyes, but a parched, burning thirst forced my hand.

“Are you awake?” a gentle voice asked.

Startled, I snapped my eyes open and looked toward the sound. When I saw his chiseled, familiar face, a shriek escaped my throat. I scrambled backward, nearly falling off the edge of the bed before a strong hand caught my arm and pulled me back.

“Careful, you’re going to fall,” he warned.

I squeezed my eyes shut, my mind racing to piece together the fragments of the previous night. How was he here? What had happened? The sheets were soft against my skin, and as I cautiously shifted, a cold realization hit me. I groaned inwardly.

Since when did I ever sleep without clothes?

“Are you scared now?” Atlas’s voice held a trace of warmth and subtle playfulness.

“Atlas… you… we…” I stammered, unable to form a coherent sentence.

“Do you regret it?” His electric gaze was fixed on me, softer than I had ever seen it. He was wearing a loose bathrobe that offered a glimpse of his solid chest.

I averted my eyes, desperately trying to recall the details of the night. Frustration bubbled up inside me; this wasn't what I wanted. I didn't want to become like Matthew. To me, my dignity was worth more than a moment of spite.

Atlas watched my shifting expressions without releasing his hold on me. His intense gaze made a shiver run down my spine, which quickly sharpened into anger.

“What did you do to me?” I demanded.

“What do you wish I’d done?” A smirk curled on his lips. He seemed entirely different from the Atlas I thought I knew—though I realized then that I didn't really know him at all.

I swallowed hard, cursing silently. This man was utterly unpredictable. How had he found me? How did he always know exactly where I was?

He let go of my arm and asked softly, “Would you like some water? You must be thirsty.” His smile seemed almost devilish.

Why did he have to say it like that? Of course I was thirsty, but under these circumstances, every word felt loaded. My mind was in a tailspin. Had nothing happened? If that were true, why was I like this? I felt a surge of panic; my sense of control was slipping away.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Startled, I dove under the covers, hiding from the world.