Dear Ex Wife Please take me back by The Every Woman

Chapter 37 ~ Not attracted

ATHENA

My heart pounds too fast, too loud.

The room feels smaller, the air thick. The sound of rushing fills my ears, deafening, drowning out every other noise. I squeeze my eyes shut, but the feeling doesn't go away.

I can't move.

I can't think.

I can't.... Stand.

"Breathe."

The deep voice cuts through the panic, anchoring me for a fleeting second. Then, warm hands grip my arms, steady but firm. I flinch, my entire body trembling. "Athena, please breathe."

The command is laced with a plea. I shake my head, gasping, clawing at my chest like I can force air back into my lungs. Tears prick my eyes as I try to focus my vision.

"I..t....it's hard, Alex." I croak out.

His hands tighten around me, pulling me against him. "Look at me."

I can't.

The air is too thick, too heavy.

The water is still there.

Watching.

Waiting.

Wanting to swallow me whole once again.

"Damn it, Athena." His grip shifts, his palm pressing against the side of my face,

forcing me to turn toward him. "You're safe. Breathe with me."

Safe.

That word doesn't make sense.

I squeeze my eyes shut, feeling something hot slide down my cheek.

A tear.

Then another.

His forehead presses against mine, his breath steady, controlled.

"In," he whispers.

I try.

"Out."

My chest shudders as I force myself to mimic his breathing, slow and measured. His fingers trace gentle circles on my back, grounding me, pulling me away from whatever invisible force had wrapped around my lungs.

Minutes pass.

suffocating anymore. The air isn't thick.

hard, my muscles still

long we

but eventually, I manage to pull

look

me, but he doesn't move. He watches, his green eyes unreadable, something

face quickly, embarrassed by

sorry...... I don't know what

A beat of silence.

his voice

don't have to

force a weak nod, pushing myself up. My legs are unsteady,

panic that had gripped me

shower," I mutter, unable to meet his

He hesitates, then says,

"I'll join you."

about to jump out of

I've seen you naked before if that's

statement

fucked you and I wasn't impressed." a voice speaks in the back

but wonder if Alex

If it is then why did he help me through my panic

snaps me out of my gaze and I

looking at the

He's standing in nothing.

no boxers, just

My cheeks flash.

to undress or should I help

fingers reaching for the towel still wrapped around my trembling frame. I tense but don't stop him

touching me means

No attraction.

Just a chore.

racing as he

a careful angle so it doesn't touch

behind me and the

silent as his large hands move over my

is confusing as

flowers and vanilla fills the air, I lean in into the scent as it

choice or you guessed it?"

shop yet. I got it from-" He pauses like he just caught himself from

"From who?" I ask.

respond and suddenly the scent starts choking me. A part of me wonders if this showel gel

Another woman?

his fingers trail down my spine,

arms. Every touch is delicate and

my body doesn't

coils in my stomach,

my nipples harden, my body reacting to

Does he notice?

glance over