Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 37636 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 188(@200wpm)___ 151(@250wpm)___ 125(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 37636 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 188(@200wpm)___ 151(@250wpm)___ 125(@300wpm)
He didn't bother knocking as he entered the shower, and even Anah's startled cry didn't make him pause in his stride. In moments, he had her in his arms, and a shudder of relief rocked Ethan's powerful body.
"Ethan?"
The concern in her tone hurt, and he found himself tightening his hold on her.
"What's wrong?"
A question he wished to God he had the courage to answer, but because the thought of losing her still terrified the fuck out of him, all he could do was push her against the wall and take her mouth with his.
I'm sorry, luv.
I'm sorry.
And because this was Anah, his sweet little Anah who always heard every word his soul whispered...
She kissed him back just as her arms went around him.
And that was when he felt it.
Her fingers slowly stroking the back of his neck—-
It's going to be fine, Ethan.
Anah, soothing the pain away-—
Because I love you.
Like she had always done, from the very start, without ever asking for anything in return.
Chapter Fifteen
What are we now? Do you still love Guilia? Do you love me? A part of Ethan had been waiting for Anah to ask these questions, if only because it was her right to do so. But days had already passed, and instead...
He was the one who had ended up asking questions.
Can I drive you to school?
Will you sleep with me tonight?
When will I see you again?
And always, Anah had answered him with a smile that made his heart ache. Of course, Ethan. Yes, Ethan. Anytime you want, Ethan. Words that he didn't deserve but she gave to him all the same because—-
I love you, Ethan.
She hadn't said the words yet. Never had to. He only had to look at her, and the words would be there looking back at him. It was in the way her lips curved, the way she kissed him back, the way her body sang every time his cock drove inside of her...
I love you, Ethan.
And in time, he realized that the words were always there because he was in her heart. Had always been there, too, only she had to hide it...until now.
I love you, Ethan.
Her love shamed and humbled him, but even so, Ethan also knew if someone were to ask him to give it up...he would never be able to do it. Just fucking couldn't. She was in his blood now—-
I love you, Ethan.
And he found himself craving for her in every way, every goddamn moment. Her presence brightened his day like the fucking sun, and even though the thought was sappy as hell, he knew it was the truth. She made him laugh when he thought he had forgotten how to be happy, made him smile so damn often he might as well swap jobs with a clown. She just made everything right, just made his life too goddamn perfect—-
I love you, Ethan.
He almost wished she didn't matter so damn much, just so he could lie and say the words in return.
I love you, too.
MAYBE TODAY'S THE DAY I can ask him. The words were always the first thing in her mind when she woke up, and always the thought would have Anah holding her breath, praying and hoping as she slowly turned his way. Maybe. Just maybe. And when their gazes met, it was only then she would know—-
Not just yet.
Because the bleakness was still there.
But soon.
Because it wasn't the same as before, wasn't just all bleakness and darkness now. Because things had changed, and now Anah had reason to hope.
It used to be that every time he entered a room, he would see her face light up, and that would be the end of the story. But it was different now. When he entered a room, her face would still light up, and in return...
Oh, in return...
Anah knew it might just be wishful thinking, but she could almost sense Ethan's heart skipping a beat every time he saw her looking at him, stars in her eyes, and heart on her sleeve. Wouldn't that be the craziest, loveliest thing ever, if it were the truth?
And that wasn't all.
In the years they were friends and just friends, Ethan had always been meticulously careful not to touch her in any way that could be misconstrued. He had always been a gentleman. Always. But ever since the night they had made love...
He couldn't seem to get enough of her. Just seemed so hungry for her all the time, with the way he made love to her every chance he could get. Day and night. Every room of his apartment. His shop. His pick-up. And now—-
Oh God.
Anah was so embarrassed she felt like her face was about to burst like a freshly squeezed tomato at any moment. Tonight was their first time to go "public", and as expected, all eyes were on them the moment she and Ethan walked inside Redwood Cafe.