ATHENA

"Where are you taking me?" I giggle as Alex holds me carefully, guiding me

through the steps because of the blindfold over my eyes.

"Patience baby." His deep voice reaches my ears.

I hear the soft crunch of grass beneath my heels, the chirping of crickets around us, and the faint sound of water nearby.

My heart pounds not from nerves, but from the way his presence always seems to steal my breath.

"I swear if you're taking me into the woods to murder me-"

"I wouldn't make you wear your favorite dress if that were the plan," he murmurs

close to my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.

We take a few more careful steps before he stops.

"Alright," he says softly. "You ready?"

"I've been ready since you said get dressed."" I grin under the blindfold.

His fingers graze my cheeks, lifting the fabric with a slow tenderness that makes me hold my breath.

And when the blindfold slips away-

My heart stops.

We're standing by the edge of a calm, silver lake, stars above twinkling like a private show from the heavens.

The water glistens under the soft glow of dozens no, hundreds of floating lanterns spread across the surface, each one glowing like a captured piece of the moon.

Behind us, on the shore, there's a thick, soft blanket spread out under a canopy of lights strung between two trees. A bottle of wine waits in a bucket of ice beside a basket, the whole scene glowing like something out of a dream.

Fireflies dance all around us, their little lights flickering in the air like they're celebrating something.

"Alex..." My voice catches as I turn to look at him.

I'm speechless. Usually, I'd faint or get a panic attack at the sight of a water body, but this time, my heart is calm, and my eyes are in love with everything they see.

it's all because of this man right here. I've always blamed him for abandoning me that

beauty. I can't help but

me, unreadable and intense. "Do you

I step forward slowly and

have cost a

send another lantern

you're afraid of the dark, baby. This was the only way I could get you

Thud

Thud

Thud Thud

beats faster

feel that way ever again," he adds, stepping close, cupping my cheek. "I want you to feel safe for the rest

of my eyes as

"Alex..."

he murmurs. "So I wanted to give you light. You see how bright and beautiful the scene is.

suddenly feel so dry that I can't move my tongue to respond. My heart swells so much that I'm sure it

love this man so

closer, placing my hands on his face as I tilt my head back

so damn tall, but right now,

fingertips brush along

is in my throat, my emotions tangled and raw. Words have failed me so I

only

I kiss him.

every ounce of love, heartbreak, anger, forgiveness, and hunger I've buried deep inside. My lips crash against his like I've been starving for this, starving for him.

deepens the kiss. He groans into my mouth, low

taking everything I'm giving, and still needing more! fist the fror his shift as the kiss turns hot, messy, and

his hands are gripping my hips like he's scared

he's waited a lifetime to

do I finally break the kiss, panting

drive

lips are tingling

sound stops any words from

notes of a violin drifting through the air, rising like the fireflies that

blink, recognition

has been playing for

by Stephen

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