Page 23 of Unwrapping Ember
She meets my gaze, eyes brimming with uncertainty. “You’re not pressuring me into anything, Koda,” she whispers softly. “I want you just as much as you want me.”
I pull her close again, and the kiss transforms into something sweeter, tenderer, layered with an unspoken desire for passion. Pulling back, I search her eyes and catch a glimmer of something darker—not typical for my little Ember.
“Let me finish baking these cookies, and then we can do whatever you want,” she says, her mood shifting slightly.
A knowing sensation washes over me—I know she’s still hiding something. But I also know, with patience, I’ll uncover whatever’s nestled beneath that surface.
“Sounds good. I’ll be in the game room when you’re done.” I plant one last quick kiss on her before reluctantly stepping away, making my way to the game room.
Settling onto the couch, I ponder how profoundly she has already transformed my life, pulling me from the depths of darkness that have shrouded me for all these years. As I sit in silence, watching the snow swirl outside as evening descends, vivid memories from the previous night dance around my mind. The lingering taste of Ember still clings to my lips, stirring a reaction deep within me.
What the fuck am I getting myself into? If our parents find out about what’s been happening, I know they’ll alienate her, leaving her utterly devastated and leaving me a shell of my fucking self again—but they wouldn’t care. They’d insist she doesn’t need to be tangled up in my mess, further painting meas the villain they’ve done all my fucking life. A singular mistake has irrevocably altered my path, and I’ve never fully escaped its shadow.
“Yo, what are you doing in here all alone?” Everest pipes up, joining me on the couch, his gaze lost in the falling snow like mine.
“Just needed some space to think. What’s Ember up to?”
“Cleaning up after our messy selves—her words, not mine,” he chuckles, raising his hands in mock surrender.
“Should I be worried about you?” He asks, catching the turmoil etched across my face. “You’ve basically been a fucking recluse since Ember showed up.”
Before I can reply, Ember steps into the room, her lavender hair slightly tousled but her expression bright. “Did you two make a mess in the living room again?” She chides, hands on her hips.
I exchange a knowing glance with Everest, both of us smirking at her annoyance. “Nah, that was Baine, but don’t worry, I’ll clean up,” I assure her.
She rolls her eyes but can’t help but smile a little. “Don’t sweat it. I’m just trying to keep busy.”
“What do you think about going out tonight?” I suggest, throwing the idea into the air.
“Where? We’re stuck in the middle of a blizzard, Koda.”
Everest and I exchange a mischievous glance, knowing exactly where we can take her. “It’s a surprise, but Ipromiseyou’ll love it.”
I’m eager as fuck to share a taste of my world with her, planning to take her to the club where we work. I know she’s in for a night of unforgettable fun with the three of us. The thought of dancing for her ignites an exhilarating thrill within me. I can already envision the look of sheer delight on her face when she discovers just how much joy we can share together.
Ember
Nervous excitement flutters around in my belly as I sit in my room and watch the falling snow. The thought of Koda's surprise tonight has me on edge, and I can't wait to see what they have planned. I wasn't expecting my time here to turn out this way, but I'm all for it. I needed a little excitement in my life, and with these three, Idefinitelyhave more than I bargained for.
As the wind whips around outside, the snowflakes continue to drift lazily to the ground. The sight is enough to make me shiver even though I'm in the warmth. I can't help but smile at the thought of what's to come. Koda and his friends always know how to keep things interesting. And just when I think I have them figured out, they surprise me all over again.
"Ember?" I hear Koda's voice from the other side of my door, and my stomach twists in anticipation.
"Yeah?" I answer back, hoping he hears the softness of my tone.
"Can I come in?" He politely asks, awaiting my answer before entering.
"Yeah." I sit nervously on the edge of my bed as the door opens, and not just Koda, but Baine and Everest walk into my room, playful smiles tugging at the corners of their lips.
"Are you still up for going out tonight?" Koda asks, the three of them anxiously holding their breaths.
"Of course. Are you going to tell me where we're going?" I ask, wondering where on earth they’d take me in the middle of a fucking blizzard.
They share a look that tells me the answer already. "Hell no, but like I said before, you're going to fucking love it," Everest interjects, rubbing his large hands together.
Koda inches closer, pulling me to my feet and against his chest. "Wear something red and sexy for us tonight, my little Ember." He licks his lips and nuzzles his nose along the side of my neck, inhaling me deeply.
"I can do that. Now all of you get out so I can shower." I smirk, already picturing what I’m going to wear in my head.