Page 13 of His To Unravel
A smile tugs at her lips, one that feels like her first surrender.
In the darkened path leading to her dorm, I walk close beside her, almost brushing her shoulder, catching the way her pulse beats lightly at her neck, how she shifts closer instinctively, as if seeking the comfort of proximity.
When we reach her door, I take her hand again, tracing small circles against her knuckles with my thumb.
“Goodnight, Olivia,” I murmur softly, as I lean in, pressing a slow, deliberate kiss to her cheek. She closes her eyes, the slightest shiver running through her as she sways forward, and I pull back, ensuring she’ll feel the echo of my presence long after I’m gone.
“Goodnight, Nathaniel,” she replies, barely a whisper, before stepping back, lingering for a single heartbeat. Then, she turns to enter, glancing back once, her gaze uncertain and a little dazed.
I wait, watching her disappear, a quiet triumph building in my chest. She’s yielding, drawn closer with every carefully executed move. Tonight was just a glimpse of the surrender I’ll elicit from her yet.
SIX
olivia
Soft morning lightslips through the gap in my blinds, casting a sliver of gold across my ceiling. I lie cocooned in the quiet comfort of my bed, but my mind races.
Last night’s kiss with Nathaniel replays in my thoughts—a heady mix of thrill and uncertainty. My heart flutters, and a smile tugs at my lips before I can stop it, my hand instinctively pressing over them as though to hold the memory in place.
It’s been ages since I felt this way. Not since high school—and even then, nothing likethis.
The emotions are jumbled: excitement, self-doubt, and fear all circling in an endless loop. Nathaniel’s attention… I can see it becoming addictive. But the question gnaws at me, unspooling my sense of control. Is this smart? Can I handle something like this, right now, in the midst of everything else?
Ping.
My phone lights up, breaking my thoughts. I reach for it, my heart racing a little faster when I see his name on the screen.
NATHANIEL
Good morning, Olivia. I just wanted to say that I enjoyed last night. Spending time with you.
My face warms, and I smile as I read his words again. The way they feel—like a gentle nudge, reassuring and intimate all at once—makes something flutter in my chest.
He enjoyed last night.I did too.
My fingers hover over the keyboard for a second as I consider my response.
Good morning. I enjoyed it too. A lot, actually.
There’s a short beat that leaves me wondering if I’ve said too much. But his reply arrives almost instantly.
NATHANIEL
I’m glad. I was worried I might’ve come on a bit strong.
Then, after a pause:
NATHANIEL
But I wouldn’t change a thing.
I exhale, feeling something ease in me—like a ribbon slowly unfurling. There’s a strange comfort in his words, a way he has of making me feel steady even when my own thoughts run wild.
I wouldn’t either. It was…really nice.
Nice.Such a simple word for something so poignant. But he doesn’t seem to mind.
His next message brings a smile to my face.
