Page 218 of Divine Obsession

“Seven!”

Trevor’s fingers laced through mine.

“Six!”

A gentle squeeze.

“Five!”

I squeezed back.

“Four!”

His free hand cupped my cheek, thumb brushing my skin.

“Three!”

I tilted my head.

“Two!”

His breath fanned my lips.

“One!”

Our lips met, soft and certain, as the room erupted into cheers. Fireworks illuminated the night sky beyond the windows, golden light bursting across Trevor’s face when we finally pulled apart.

Although his eyes weren’t blue, every time they met mine, I was reminded of the ocean. A turbulent sea at night. So deep and dark I knew I’d never make it out now. But then something inside the darkness would spark and all I could see was the moon shining in the waves. And part of me didn’t want to reach the shore anymore. Part of me wanted to drown in him.

Being with him –around him– was like diving underwater. Absolute silence and tranquility. For once, my mind was quiet and my body was awake. Nothingness around me, until all I could see, smell, feel, hear, taste… was him. His arms holding me.

UntilallI knew was him.

“Happy New Year,amai,” I murmured, pressing one last kiss to Natalia’s forehead.

She rested a hand over mine, where it touched her stomach. “Happy New Year,koibito.”

I frowned, my lips turning into a proud smirk.

“I’ve been studying,” She supplied, before a soft pink blush took over her cheekbones. “Aishiteru.”

Something reached into my chest, squeezed and tugged.

My hand found its way into her heavenly hair and our lips met again. “Zutto aishiteru.”

Across the room, Maria and Zach were still making out, her arms wrapped around his neck.

I kept Natalia close as the cheers and celebrations continued around us. The penthouse was alive with music and laughter, but all I really cared about was the warmth of her hand in mine, the quiet excitement thrumming between us.

A few moments later, we made our way toward Maria and Zach, who had finally come up for air. Maria’s cheeks were flushed, her arms still draped around Zach’s neck as he murmured something that made her laugh softly.

When she noticed us approaching, she grinned. “So, what are your big plans for the new year?”

I felt Natalia glance at me, a silent exchange passing between us. Finally, she turned back to Maria, her smile widening. “We’ve decided to elope. We’re getting married in Hawaii.”

“Oh my God!” Maria gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. Zach let out a low chuckle beside her, his grip tightening around her waist as she blinked rapidly, trying to hold back tears. “I’m so happy for you two.”

Natalia squeezed my hand, beaming.