Page 50 of Anteros' Return

I was hard just thinking about having her that close to me again. I fisted my cock as the desire and craving I had for her caused my muscles to coil tighter. My thoughts were consumed by her, her soft skin and inviting curves dancing through my mind. I could feel myself growing harder at the mere thought of her. With each stroke of my hand, the sensation intensified, my fingers grazing over every inch of my aching cock.

But in my mind, it wasn’t my hand touching myself, it was Emily's. The memory of her breathy moans drove me closer and closer to the edge. And just as I imagined her lips wrapped around me, I let go, claiming my release with a shuddering groan as pleasure coursed through my body at record speed. All that remained in my mind was the thought of her and nothing else.

There was one thing I was certain of—the next time I came, it would be inside of her.

A week passed, and my days were jam-packed with physiotherapy and Liam’s training sessions. I even managed tosqueeze in a visit to the park with him. Physio went better than I had expected so early on, but there was still a long road ahead. It gave me hope, and I was optimistic enough to think I’d be back on the pitch before I had initially planned.

I was about to knock on Emily’s door when it flung open, revealing an overly excited Liam in his Bluehaven United football shirt.

I laughed. “Wow, someone’s eager!”

“I can’t wait! I’ve never been to a match before!” He grinned, practically bouncing on the spot.

“Well, it’s a day of surprises for you then. You ready to go?”

“Am I ready?!” He slid his arms into his coat. “Of course I am!”

Emily emerged from the kitchen, her long hair neatly woven into two braids cascading down her back. Her dark-rimmed glasses sat perched on her nose, framing her bright eyes and rosy cheeks, and a dainty apron adorned with floral patterns and frills hid what her faded jeans couldn't. As she approached us, her eyes shone with excitement for her son. "He's been talking about nothing else all morning!" Her voice was filled with cheerful enthusiasm, matching the vibrant hues of her apron. The smell of freshly baked cupcakes wafted from the kitchen behind her, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

“So, you mentioned a day of surprises. Can you tell me what they might be?” Liam asked, hoping I would tell him everything I had planned.

“It’s going to be a good day, that’s all I can say.” I ruffled his hair. “I’m not sure what time we’ll be back, but I’ll message you, is that okay?” I asked Em, who nodded in agreement. “Right then, let’s get going.”

Liam skipped out the front door and down the lawn to the private car I had hired for the day as I stood with Em for a moment.

“Em—”

“I hope you two have a wonderful day.” She half smiled for a moment. “He’s having a really great time with you.” I waited for the ‘but’ to follow, however, it never came.

Liam called from the open window of the back seat. “Beckett, come on!”

“You’d better get going.” She waved at Liam before locking eyes with me for a moment. Our gaze lingered longer than it should have. Something tightened in my chest—subtle at first, then stronger, like a thread tugging from deep within, drawing me toward her. It was that same magnetic pull I’d felt a hundred times before, quiet but insistent, like my heart couldn’t quite accept me leaving her again.

With great difficulty, I made my way to the car as she closed the door behind her.

“I’ve never been in a car with a driver before,” Liam exclaimed when I scooted in beside him.

“I wanted you to have a special day, so why not travel in style.” I grinned, leaning back in the seat as Liam chatted my ear off for the next hour.

Excitement bubbled in my chest as we pulled into the car park of Bluehaven United Stadium. Beside me, Liam was practically vibrating with energy, his eyes wide and sparkling. The moment the car stopped, he flung the door open and jumped out, nearly tripping in his rush. “Come on!” he shouted, bouncing on the balls of his feet. Then, to my surprise, he grabbed my hand—his grip warm and urgent—as if he couldn’t wait another second.

We made our way inside the stadium. We were early, but neither of us seemed to mind. The concourse buzzed with a low, growing energy—like something waiting to erupt. The walls were plastered with decades of history, framed photos of club legendsmid-strike, faded newspaper clippings behind glass, murals of past glories and heartbreaks. Every corner seemed to tell a story.

The air smelled of fresh chips, and grilled meat, mingled with the faint tang of beer. Merch stalls were already open, their racks overflowing with scarves, shirts, and flags. Liam slowed at every one, wide-eyed, fingers brushing the soft fabric of a home jersey like it was holy. Somewhere to our right, a group of fans chanted in bursts, their voices echoing off the concrete and steel like distant thunder.

He was in awe of everything around him, and it was a joy for me to watch. I saw myself in his every glance and gasp, felt that old excitement stirring just beneath the surface. Football was everything then, and while it was now too, there were two people who meant a hell of a lot more to me.

“So, how high up are our seats?” he asked, squeezing my hand tighter as people skirted around us.

“Not too high, we’re in the VIP section.” I smiled as he stopped in his tracks. He looked up at me, his eyes wide with disbelief.

“VIP? Really?!”

“As I said, today is full of surprises.”

As we made our way towards our seats, we were met by one of the hosts at the grounds.

“Mr. Ashmore, it’s an absolute pleasure to have you here at Bluehaven United.” He gave a warm smile, handing Liam a programme.

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