Page 117 of Lassoed Love

Isla’s question echoes in my mind. Does she truly not understand why it’s her? Why she’s the one who consumes my thoughts, day inand day out?

“Why me?”

I feel a surge of frustration and a twinge of hurt. Haven’t I made it clear enough? I take a deep breath before responding, “Isla, it’s always been you. Since high school, you’ve been the one invading my thoughts, whether I liked it or not. I was a dumb, arrogant teenager who acted out—an asshole who pushed you away, but the truth is, it’s always been you.”

She shakes her head, as if she can’t comprehend what I’m saying—hearing these words for the first time out loud.

“But… we never spoke to each other,” she questions, her voice laced with confusion. “I mean, look at me. I’m not your average size ten girl. I’m not easy on the eyes. I’m not like the girls you used to go for in school.”

I lean forward, frustration and urgency in my eyes. “Isla, don’t you see? It’s never been about some damn size or an idealised version of beauty. Those girls weren’t anything more than flings, a fucking act. It’s about you. The way you make me feel, the connection we share. You’ve been the only one on my mind foryears. Years, Isla.”

As my words linger in the air, her breathing falters, her expression serious. I reach out to gently cup her face, my thumb brushing across her cheek. “You’re more than enough for me. It’s about who you are, not some fucking superficial standard.”

Not wanting to waste any more time, I continue, “This—us—I never expected it to become something more, to be honest, but over time, it’s changed from attraction, lust,to—”

My words trail off, and she prods further, “To… what, Xavier?”

“To love, Isla,” I growl, the words leaving my lips with a weight that hangs in the air. Her breath hitches, and she draws in a breath, the gravity of the moment sinking in. Fuck, there’s no going back now. The room is charged, tension swirling between us as our eyes lock, and in that moment, it feels like the world has slowed down.

As Isla sits there stunned, stuttering her words, I can’t help but feel a surge of emotions. It’s as if time has come to a standstill, and I need her to understand the depth of what I’m saying.

“Isla,” I say, my voice low and intense, “I’ve never been good with words, but this is as clear as I can make it. I care about you more than I’ve ever cared about anyone. It’s not just attraction or some fleeting feeling. It’s deeper, something that has grown over the years. I fucking loveyou.”

I watch her closely, waiting for her response. The vulnerability in her eyes tugs at something within me, and I find myself holding my breath, hoping she understands.

As the intense desire rages through me, I can’t contain it any longer. I push my chair out abruptly, commanding, “Come here,” gesturing for her to sit on my lap. There’s a moment of hesitation in her eyes, but she stands up and moves to sit on the edge of my thigh.

I grab her roughly, pulling her closer and adjusting her position so she ends up straddling my lap. The air between us crackles with anticipation, and I can’t help but revel in the intoxicating proximity.

“Is there any doubt left in your mind?” I murmur. My hands move over her body, tracing the curves and contours as if memorising everyinch.

My hands grip her waist, and I grind her body onto my lap, over my now hardening cock.

“Tell me, Isla,” I murmur, my lips brushing against her ear, “do you feel it, too? Do you feel what you do to me?” The atmosphere is charged, and a primal desire courses through me as I wait for her response.

Isla looks into my eyes, her gaze reflecting a mix of emotions. “Xavier,” she breathes out, her voice a soft melody in the charged air. “I do feel it. It’s not just you. There’s something here, something I can’t deny.”

My heart pounds in my chest as her words wash over me. I lean back slightly, capturing her gaze with mine. “Good,” I murmur, a satisfied grin playing on my lips. “Because, Isla, what I feel for you… it’s beyond words.”

I claim her lips, the kiss deepening into a fervent dance of tongues. My hands trail down her back, pulling her closer, melding our bodies together. Isla responds with a whimper, her fingers threading through my hair. The intensity of our connection sparks a fire that consumes us, erasing any lingering doubts or uncertainties, once and for fucking all.

As our lips part momentarily, a heated gaze lingers between us.

“So fucking beautiful,” I growl in a low, possessive tone. I capture her mouth again, licking the seam of her lips. She parts her mouth and I dip my tongue into her mouth, a low groan resonating from deep in my chest.

In the electrifying aftermath, my mind races.Fuck, Xavier, keep it together.But her taste, her response. It’s intoxicating.

I can’t help but savour the way she yields to me. Is it the way she looks at me, or the lingering warmth between us? No denying she’s got me hooked. I can’t shake the possessiveness that surges through me right now.

It’s not like me, but with her, it’s different. A magnetic pull that defies reason.

It’severything.

44

Just Can’t Get Enough - Black Eyed Peas

As the echoes of his growllinger, I can’t ignore the undeniable fire simmering between us. His words echo in my mind—Xavier Mitchell lovesme. It’s like a thrilling revelation, a declaration that’s both comforting and electrifying. A rush of emotions swirls within me—relief, excitement, a tinge of nervousness. He loves me, and even though I didn’t actually say the words back, they’re there—doing a happy dance in my head. Love. It’s there—a deep, magnetic love and desire for Xavier Mitchell.

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