Page 74 of Checks & Bonds

As the last tremors of our climax subsided, Freya collapsed onto my chest, her breath coming in ragged gasps. I wrapped my arms around her instinctively, holding her close despite everything that had happened between us.

For now, we were together in this moment—two souls caught in a storm of their own making—and I couldn't bring myself to let go.

I buried my face in Freya's hair, holding her tight. Her warmth seeped into me, calming the storm raging inside.

"It's okay not to be in control all the time," she whispered, her fingers tracing patterns on my chest. "You don't have to do this alone."

Her words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. I hesitated, the weight of everything pressing down on me.

"My uncle almost ruined my sister and tried to take away her inheritance," I whispered, the memories still raw. "But now, with this… it's like everything my grandfather built is for nothing. I have to go to that meeting."

"Even if it means you miss your game?" she asked softly.

I remained silent; the conflict tearing me apart. The legacy my grandfather built was more than just a business; it was a testament to his hard work and determination. But Freya's words lingered, making me question everything.

"I get your grandfather built up the Mathers legacy from nothing," she said slowly. "And you want to make sure you keep it that way. But what about what you're building? Isn't that important too?"

Her question struck a chord deep within me. I didn't have an answer, at least not one that made sense in the chaos of my thoughts. I just held her tighter, seeking solace in her presence.

Freya's fingers continued their gentle dance across my skin, offering comfort in their simplicity. The tension in my muscles began to ease, replaced by a strange sense of calm.

"You don't have to decide right now," she murmured against my chest. "Just know that whatever you choose, you're not alone."

Her words were a balm to my troubled mind. In that moment, it felt like we were on the same side of this storm—a small island of calm amid the turmoil threatening to pull us under.

I exhaled slowly, letting some of the weight lift from my shoulders. Maybe she was right; maybe I didn't have to carry this burden by myself. For now, it was enough just to hold her and feel her heartbeat against mine.

The future loomed uncertain and daunting, but with Freya here in my arms, it felt a little less terrifying.

23

Freya

When I woke up the next morning, Henry was already gone. The emptiness of the bed beside me was a stark contrast to the heat of his body from last night. The sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. I stretched, feeling the ache in my muscles from our encounter.

I knew he hadthegame tonight. It probably explained his early departure, though a part of me wished he'd stayed. My fingers brushed against the spot where he had lain, and I couldn’t help but blush at the memory of our time together.

Last night... it had been intense. More than I expected, but not something I regretted. If anything, it awakened something within me, something that craved more.

I slid out of bed, my feet touching the cool floor. The room felt too big without him in it, and I wrapped my arms around myself as I made my way to the bathroom. Splashing cold water on my face did little to chase away the vivid images from last night.

I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, staring at my reflection. My hair was a tangled mess, my eyes a little puffy from the lack of sleep. The events of last night played in my mind on a loop, each moment more vivid than the last.

I considered taking a shower, the thought of warm water cascading over me seemed appealing. But then, I paused. The scent of him still lingered on my skin, a mix of his cologne and sweat, mingling with my own. It was intoxicating, a reminder of what had happened between us.

Not yet. I wasn't ready to wash him off.

Instead, I ran my fingers through my hair, trying to tame the wild strands. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

Leaving the bathroom, I wandered back into the bedroom. His side of the bed looked untouched now, as if he had never been there. But I knew better. The indent where he had been was still visible if you looked closely enough.

I sat on the edge of the bed, pulling my knees to my chest. The room felt too quiet without him in it. The silence was heavy, pressing down on me with each passing second.

What was I supposed to do now? Henry and I were far from resolved. Last night had been... something else entirely, but it didn’t change the fact that we were still at odds about so many things.

Dressed in comfortable clothes, I wandered into the kitchen, hoping to find some semblance of normalcy. The house was eerily quiet without Henry's presence. His absence loomed large in every corner of the house. The clock ticked on the wall, each second dragging by painfully slow. Would he come back before the game? Would he even go?

Part of me hoped he'd walk through the door any minute now, a smirk on his face as if last night had never ended. But for now, it was just me and my thoughts in this vast house.

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