len

steady beep of the monitor was the only sound that welcomed me. She lay so stil

old against my warmth, and I held it as if letting go might mean losing her forever. Lowering my head onto the

"Wake up. Tell me everything's going to be okay... beca

u

a new message from

ng engaged, are you giving up y

tening. My fingers moved slowly acros

ny other choice.

at went silent. Then

that, wish

up almost immediately

ight? Let's celebrate your l

t all. But staring at Grandma's still form in the hospital bed, I realized

Ok

***

ss the crowded dance floor. But this time, it felt different. I was no longer the host, no longer the girl who bought the drinks and c

my voice. Their laughter and chatter filled th

m said suddenly, sipping her drink. "He's a total mess

mirk. "Why not just pick so

something as precious as my virginity for a reckless scoundrel wh

nd echoed words that had once been mine: "Wha

. Those had been my words–the careless arrogance of a girl who thought

. "Okay, guys. The first man that walks through that do

so-called boldness. My heart rate increased in my chest as

carved like a god, every inch of him radiating power and control. The suit he wore fit so perfectly as if it was c

had been laughing and screaming seconds ago, fell int

it down. "Elena, don't," one of them whispered sharpl

od was hot, I shoved their hands away and stagger

e. With a wave of his hand, he ordered a glass of whisky. The moment I reache

ohol-fueled courage pushing me further. I r

handsome?" I whispered,

our eyes met. His hazel eyes were cold, yet

ook a slow sip of his whisky, deliberatel

ego. Even if I was broke, I had never been rejected be

eyes so dangerously charming, they seemed to pull me in deeper with every second. Slowly, I traced my eyes from the da

itated, then-slowly-his lips parted, giving me access. I slid my tongue against his, and when his tongue finally

. The air was thick, heavy with unspoken desire. He shut the door behind us with a soft but final thud

re skin. I was left in only my bra and panties. My skin burning under the dim red light. In one swift motion, he lifted me effortlessly, pressing me against himself.My weak arms clung desperately around his neck, seeking balance, while my le

unce, he leaned in, tracing kisses down

e way my body betrayed me, my legs winding tighter around him

s", he said with a s

rike back longi

s hovering over mine once more. "Are you sure about th

mes will he

ead down, crushing my lips against his.

nside me. Pain and pleasure collided in a diz

e?" he asked, hi

s my body tried to adjust, the burn gi

is thrusts became slow, and gentle. The ache melted into pleasure u

in his arms, my body powerless as his strength pres

ke a baby seeking shelter. For the fi