Page 14 of Her Naughty Soldier

"Yeah, I do," I confirm, my voice low and firm. "I've never been good at this kind of thing, Lily. Expressing how I feel, letting someone in. But with you, it's different. I don't want to hide anything."

She steps closer, closing the gap between us. Her presence is a magnetic force, pulling me in. "Ethan, I've been so scared of getting hurt, of making the same mistakes. But I can't deny what I feel for you. It's scary, but it's real."

Hearing her say that, a wave of relief washes over me. It's like a weight has been lifted, the uncertainty that's been haunting me since yesterday finally clearing.

"I know it's a risk for both of us," I say, reaching out to gently cup her face. "But I think it's a risk worth taking."

She nods, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I think so, too."

In that moment, everything else fades away. It's just Lily and me, and the promise of a new beginning. I lean in, my heart pounding in my chest, and press my lips to hers. The kiss is soft at first, a gentle exploration. But it quickly deepens, fueled by our pent-up emotions and undeniable chemistry.

Her arms wrap around my neck, pulling me closer, and I respond by deepening the kiss. It's a kiss that says everything we've been too scared to say out loud, a kiss that bridges the gap between fear and desire.

As we break apart, both of us breathless, I know that this is just the start. There will be challenges, uncertainties, maybe even some doubts along the way. But as I look into Lily's eyes, I see a future that's worth every bit of the struggle.

A future full of beautiful sunrises.

Chapter 8

Lily

Thewalkbacktomy studio feels different this time. The early morning light filters through the trees, casting a warm, golden hue that seems to match the glow inside me. Ethan is by my side, carrying my painting of the sunrise, a piece that somehow feels more meaningful than any I've done before.

"You really captured it, you know," Ethan says, glancing at the painting with awe. "The sunrise, I mean. It's like you brought that moment to life."

I can't help but beam at the compliment. "Thanks, Ethan. It was an incredible view. But it wouldn't have been the same without you there."

He looks at me, a playful twinkle in his deep-set hazel eyes. "So, I'm your muse now?"

I laugh, nudging him gently with my elbow. "Don't get cocky. But maybe just a little bit of a muse."

We reach my studio, and as I open the door, the familiar scent of paint and canvas greets us. It's a space that's always felt like my personal haven, but having Ethan here feels even more special.

He carefully sets the painting on an easel, stepping back to admire it. "You know, this could be the start of a whole new series for you. Sunrises from around the world."

"That's not a bad idea," I muse, looking around the studio. It's a mess of paint tubes, brushes, and half-finished projects, but to me, it's perfect. "Maybe our next trip can be to chase sunrises in different countries."

Ethan steps closer, his presence filling the room. "I'd like that," he says softly, his gaze intense and focused on me.

There's a moment of silence, a charged space where everything feels heightened. The way he looks at me, it's like he's seeing right into my soul. It's exhilarating and a little terrifying.

He reaches out, his hand gently brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Lily," he starts, his voice low and full of emotion. "I meant what I said earlier about wanting to be with you, about watching sunrises together."

My heart flutters at his words, a mix of happiness and a dash of fear. This is new territory for me, feeling so deeply for someone like this. "Ethan," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper. "I feel it, too. I want this. I want us."

His hand moves from my hair to my cheek, and he pulls me closer. Our eyes lock, and everything else fades away. It's just us in my studio surrounded by my art, but none of it matters.

His lips meet mine in a kiss that's gentle at first but quickly deepens. My hands find their way to his hair, tangling in the soft strands as I pull him closer. The kiss becomes more urgent, more desperate, as if we both need to feel the other completely.

Ethan breaks away, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "Lily," he whispers, his voice rough with desire. "I want you. All of you."

The words send a shiver down my spine, a mix of fear and excitement. I've never felt this way before, never been so consumed by another person. But with Ethan, it feels right, like I'm finally home.

He presses me against the wall, his hands on my hips as he kisses me fiercely. I moan into his mouth, my hands running over his hard, muscular body. He pulls his shirt over his head, and my breath catches in my throat. Ethan is gorgeous, from his chiseled, muscular physique to his sharp jaw and deep-set eyes. He's the most beautiful man I've ever seen, and somehow, he's all mine.

My shirt is next, followed by my pajama pants until suddenly, I'm standing naked in front of him. He steps back, his eyes roving over my body, but I don't feel ashamed of my curves and stretchmarks.

The way he looks at me makes me feel like a work of art.

---