Choices

Dhalia POV

I’m not entirely sure how it happened. One minute, I was kissing Chase, and then a sudden wave of boldness washed over me—I thought I might try to take things further, half-expecting him to refuse, object, or push me away. After all, he constantly seemed reluctant to let me in.

But he didn’t. Instead, he met my desire with his own, and now here I am, still resting against him, too tired and too satisfied to care about anything else at the moment.

Chase shifts beneath me, gently adjusting my clothes and his, but he keeps me on his lap, holding me close as if he’s not ready to let go just yet. It’s only then that I notice the lights coming back on, casting a soft glow around us. The music has lowered as well, creating a quiet, almost intimate atmosphere. I peer up at Chase, curious and a bit dazed.

He gives me a small, reassuring smile and leans in closer, his breath warm against my ear. “How do you feel about going back to work? If I can ensure you’re safe and that no one wi