Blossom Again

The kiss grew more intense as they made their way inside, their lips locked and passion guiding their movements.

They sank onto the soft sofa, and Ryan's lips trailed down Emily's neck, pressing warm kisses along her collarbone.

A soft gasp escaped her lips as his hands slid under her dress, exploring her curves with a gentle yet deliberate touch.

He let his hands wander, brushing over her, his touch both teasing and lingering. Emily felt a surge of pleasure that left her breathless.

Though she tried to pull away for a moment, his lips and touch drew her back, sending waves of sensation through her.

She surrendered to the moment as he removed the last barriers between them, allowing their connection deepen.He buried himself inside her.

*********************

A few days had passed, but Emily couldn't stop thinking about that night. She could still feel Ryan's touch lingering on her skin, reaching parts of her heart and soul no one ever had before.

"Pull yourself together," she muttered, lightly tapping her forehead. "This isn't right. This is spiraling out of control. It was supposed to be just an act. How did it get so far?"

Despite her inner conflict, Emily couldn't ignore the changes in her life. She glanced out the window at the sleek Porsche sitting in her garage. Sir Peter Andrew had kept his promise—the car had arrived the same night. But instead of happiness, a wave of guilt washed over her. How would Sir Peter feel if he discovered that she and Ryan had been deceiving him?

Yet, that wasn't the only guilt weighing her down. She felt she'd let herself down for crossing a line with Ryan, allowing their charade to become something much more personal.

"I can't do this anymore," she whispered, holding her head in her hands. Determined to take control, she threw on her jacket and grabbed her phone. Dialing Ryan's number, her voice was firm as she spoke.

"I need to see you. Now."

...........….....

Ryan sat back in his chair, feeling relaxed. He had just finished a long recording session at his studio.

Lately, he had been overflowing with inspiration, his mood noticeably lighter. Everyone had been commenting on how peaceful and happy he seemed.

"You are on fire these days, man," Luis said, settling into a seat across from him.

Ryan smiled. "Yeah, I feel... calm. Like I'm finally at peace with myself."

"Interesting," Luis chuckled. "What's the secret? Come on, spill it."

Ryan opened his mouth to respond, but a knock at the door interrupted him.

"The team already left," Luis said. "Are you expecting someone?"

"Yes," Ryan replied with a nod.

"Who?" Luis asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Come in," Ryan called, avoiding Luke's question.

The door opened, and Emily walked in. She looked stunning in a cozy cashmere jacket, a white blouse, and a short denim skirt paired with black knee-high boots. Her messy bun and light makeup gave her a natural, effortless beauty.

"Whoa, who is this?" Luis asked, standing to shake Emily's hand.

Before he could, Ryan swatted his hand away. "Emily, this is Luis, my cousin and best friend. Luis, meet Emily... my girlfriend."

Luis blinked in surprise. "Wait, when did this happen?" He didn't get to finish his question because Ryan cut him off.

"Luis, can you give us a minute? Emily and I need to talk privately."

"Alright," Luis said, standing up with a wink before heading out the door.

The room fell into a heavy silence as soon as the door closed. It was the first time Ryan and Emily had seen each other since that night. Both felt the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air.

"I..." they both started at the same time, then laughed awkwardly.

"You go first," Ryan said, breaking the tension.

Emily felt her palms grow damp. She rubbed them against her skirt before pulling a bundle of cash from her bag. "Here's your money," she said quietly, pausing. "I can't do this anymore."

Ryan froze, caught off guard. "What? I don't understand, Emily." He stood and stepped closer to her.

"I'm done," she said firmly. "I want out ..out of this whole act."

Ryan's brows furrowed. "I don't need your money, Emily," he said, his voice low as he moved even closer, so close that she could feel his breath against her skin.

Her heart raced, and she felt trapped by the intensity of his presence. "I... I can't..." she stammered, but her words were cut off as Ryan kissed her.

It was fast, hard, and passionate, igniting something deep within her. She lost herself in the kiss as Ryan pushed her backward, clearing his desk with one sweep of his arm. Emily found herself perched on the edge of the table, her skirt sliding up.

With a swift motion, Ryan removed her underwear and touched her in a way that made her gasp with pleasure. Her thoughts of ending things vanished as Ryan pulled her closer, and slammed into her.

"Tell me you want this, Emily. Just tell the truth," Ryan demanded, his voice rough as he moved against her.

Emily felt weak, her strength slipping away. Her legs trembled beneath her, refusing to support her anymore.

Ryan's gaze locked on hers, his tone softening. "Look at me, Emily. Tell me you don't feel anything. Be honest with me," he whispered close to her ear.

Emily's heart raced as she tried to gather her thoughts. She did feel something, but fear held her back. Ryan's reputation as a playboy loomed over her, making her hesitate.

Then he said the words. "I love you, Emily."

The words hung in the air, freezing time for a moment. Did he really mean it? Could she trust what he said, or was this just another line to get what he wanted? Doubt clouded her mind.

Summoning all her strength, Emily shoved him away, her palm connecting with his cheek in a sharp slap. Without a second glance, she turned and fled out the door, her heart pounding with a mix of emotions she couldn't begin to untangle.