Page 45 of Presence

But then he tenses up, and I find myself tensing up with him.

“Sort of,” he admits. “It’s just that the shadows are more invasive, as you’ve unfortunately found out.”

My head spins. Every mention of the shadows strips away a bit of my comfort, erasing the blissful daze I cling to. I usually manage to shake it off. But now, Echo’s response just makes me recoil, the unpleasant memories flooding back.

Still, there are things I have to know. My curiosity won’t let me rest.

“So… what? Before this, you were basically…” I pause, unsure how to continue. “Watching me? And, um... why? How long?”

He watches me, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes before a mischievous smile curls at the corners of his mouth. He shifts his position, propping himself on one elbow, bringing his face dangerously close to mine again.

“My Little Soul, you’re stacking questions now,” he teases, his voice a soft whisper with an undeniable hint of amusement. “That’s more than one, you know. We agreed on one at a time, didn’t we? Don’t tell me you’re trying to be naughty again.”

I inhale sharply, ready to argue or press for answers, but the words melt away as he closes the gap with a kiss that silences me. The world shifts slightly, the kiss deepening, pulling me further from my spiraling thoughts.

When he pulls back, the dizziness is gone.

“Said the guy who didn’t even answer my first question properly,” I whisper back. There’s no bite in the way I say it, and I realize I’m already losing the will to resist. I couldn’t even begin to describe how this man affects me, even if I tried. He dismantles all my defenses, leaving me exposed for him to see.

If only things were different. If only he were just some guy I’d met in my everyday life, I’d shut him out the moment I sensed danger—not because he lacks anything I’m looking for in a man, but because I’d be too frightened to open up.

The universe knows I’ve had my fair share of letdowns. Trusting someone only to have them obliterate that trust is the worst feeling. The thoughts that follow, the self-reproach that makes you question all your choices... I never want to experience that again.

That’s why if Echo were just a human, unable to delve into my mind and see my very essence, it wouldn’t work between us. I wouldn’t feel like I’m falling in love.

But the way things are… I think I am.

“I think you and I both know just how naughty I can be,” he purrs, his hand pressing against my thigh, rubbing it up and down. Warmth spreads through me, each stroke lighting a flame inside. A desperate whimper escapes my lips as he makes me burn up so quickly.

“Yes, very,” I say, tugging his hand higher until it slips under my skirt. My nipples tighten painfully under the thin fabric, and I already know that even though I’m spent and aching from how much we’ve done tonight, it’s not enough. It will never be enough.

“Do you still hurt?” he asks, his voice a low timbre. We played the game of questions because I needed a little break, though neither of us said it out loud. He knows I still hurt, but he’s asking anyway. And fuck, I love it.

“Is that your question?” I exhale, as his finger brushes against my clit. It’s a faint touch, just a tease, but it sends a jolt of pleasure through me. Underneath my pale-green dress, I’m wearing a sheer white thong, the mesh stretching from my pelvic bone to my labia. His finger grazes my clit gently underneath, driving my nerves crazy.

“Would you prefer me asking something else?” he counters, his lips finding my neck and planting soft, slow kisses. My eyes roll back.

“Yes…” I answer. The game be damned, I need him to ask that one question I’ve been waiting for all night. Because every moment I don’t feel him inside me feels wasted.

“Would you let me fuck you, my Little Soul?” He purrs, his voice dripping with desire. “Would you let me fuck you even though your pretty pussy still hurts? That’s the question you want, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” I breathe, spreading my legs impossibly wide, beckoning him to get on top of me. But as he pets my clit, he doesn’t move an inch.

“Well, then…” Another kiss lands softly on my neck. “Before you answer, I need you to do something. Trust me, you’re gonna love it.”

He waves his hand, and the clear blue sky shifts to a deep navy, darkness enveloping us while the air remains pleasantly warm.

“Wha…” I start, barely opening my eyes as a wave of pleasure washes over me.

“Just wait.”

Around us, the field of roses begins to glow, small points of golden light twinkling among the blooms like tiny lamps. The navy sky, the red roses, and the yellow lights blend together into a scene straight out of a movie. Then, as if on cue, stars sprinkle across the sky while the fragrance of roses intensifies, mingling with a scent I can’t quite place.

Echo reaches out with his free hand to pluck a few petals from the nearest rose, bringing them to his nose to savor the smell. Then, with the most devilish smile, he brings one petal to my lips.

“Taste it,” he instructs.

I comply, taking the petal between my lips. Its delicate scent adds to the already heady aroma around us. He watches intently as I taste the petal’s sweetness, his eyes shining under the starlit sky.

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