Page 34 of Ghost Of You
Ethan just shrugs, completely unfazed, but I can feel the tension rising.
Jasper reappears with fresh beers, breaking the awkward silence. “What time is it?” he asks, clearly trying to defuse the situation.
Laelia glances at my watch. “Ten to twelve,” she replies, taking one of the beers from Jasper and handing it to me.
“Not long until our New Year’s kiss,” she says, her voice dropping to a seductive whisper as she leans closer. “And then I’m taking you to bed.”
I grin, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. “I can’t wait,” I murmur, and her smirk tells me she knows exactly what she’s doing to me.
As the countdown begins, we make our way to the big tree in Ethan’s backyard. The crowd gathers, phones and watches ready, as Ethan and a few others scramble to set up the fireworks. The energy is electric, everyone buzzing with anticipation.
“Ten…nine…eight…”
Laelia turns in my arms, her face glowing in the firelight as she wraps her arms around my neck.
“Three…two…one…Happy New Year!”
Our lips meet in a tender, lingering kiss, the kind that makes time stand still. When we finally pull apart, she looks up at me, her eyes shining with emotion.
“Killian Tate, I love you with everything I have and more,” she whispers, her voice soft but steady.
Her words hit me like a freight train, and I feel my heart swell. I smile, my own eyes misting up. “Laelia Jayne Marie Thorn, you have my heart, my soul, and every fibre of my being. I love you, now and forever.”
She kisses me again, and this time I know, without a doubt, that this is the start of something incredible. This year is ours, and we’re going to make it unforgettable.
Here’s to us.
Chapter sixteen
After our New Year's kiss, I pull Laelia close, unable to tear my gaze from her as I guide her towards the spare room we’re sharing tonight. The party’s noise fades as my mind is consumed by one singular desire:her. I’m torn between the festivities and the promise of what’s to come with her, but my need for her eclipses all else.
With a swift motion, I open the door and usher her inside, the click of the lock echoing in the quiet room. I want this moment to be ours alone, free from interruptions.
Laelia’s eyes sparkle with knowing mischief as she steps further into the room, her fingers trailing up my arm until they rest lightly on my bicep. Her touch sends a shiver through me, intensifying the heat building between us. She meets my gaze with a smirk, her lips barely parted as she asks in a voice thick with desire, "What will you do with me now?"
The air is electric, charged with anticipation. I lean closer, running my tongue along my bottom lip, a smirk forming as I whisper, "I have so many things planned for you tonight, all of which will end with you crying out my name."
Her eyes darken with longing, and she bites her lip, the gesture both innocent and provocative. I reach up, gently cupping her chin, and glide my thumb over her bottom lip. I’m consumed by the thought of those lips on mine, of what else they could do.
"I can already imagine those lips wrapped around me," I murmur, my voice dripping with seduction.
Her breath hitches, and our lips crash together in a fervent kiss. It’s fierce and passionate, a culmination of the night’s tension. I know that tonight will not be enough; my desire for her is boundless. I want to explore every inch of her, to savour every moment.
Guiding her gently backwards, I ease her onto the bed, hovering above her as I resume our kiss. My fingers deftly pull my shirt over my head, tossing it aside with little regard. She’s my sole focus now, and nothing else matters.
As my lips reclaim hers in a possessive embrace, I feel her smile against me. Her hands roam down my chest, reaching my belt with a determined grace. She unfastens it swiftly and begins to unbutton my jeans. Her touch ignites a fire within me, and I let out a groan as her hand slips inside, gripping my growing arousal. Her slow, deliberate movements drive me wild, but I want to take my time with her first.
Reluctantly, I pull my lips away from hers, and she whimpers in protest. I take hold of her hand, guiding it out of my jeans, and then pin both of her wrists above her head. Her gasp of surprise only heightens my desire, fuelling my need to dominate and love her in equal measure.
Leaning in, I keep our faces close, our breaths mingling. She leans in to kiss me, but I pull back slightly, teasing her. "You’re at my mercy now, beautiful," I whisper, feeling her shiver.
With one hand firmly holding hers, I use the other to trace a path down her body, from her face to the top of her jeans. I slowly unbutton them, then slip them down her legs, freeing herfrom the constricting fabric. She tosses her top aside, revealing her stunning form, and I drink in the sight of her.
I’m captivated by her, mesmerised by her beauty. As I hover over her, she wraps her legs around my waist, pulling me closer. My hand roams over her chest, skimming the delicate pink lace of her bra. I can see her hardening nipples through the thin material, and my lips ache to taste them.
"How much did this cost?" I ask, my voice low and teasing as I caress her sensitive nipple with my thumb.
"Pretty cheap and replaceable," she replies breathlessly, her arousal evident.