A Time to Remember

As Lily and Alex’s kiss grew deeper, she felt herself melting into him, her heart pounding as their connection blossomed in ways she hadn’t experienced before. 

She’d kissed people before, but this was different—this was raw, real, and overwhelming. 

She could feel her heart beating faster just by being this close to him and tasting the sweet warmth that his mouth gave to her.

She couldn't stop herself for even a moment to breathe because all she wanted was his.

His touch ignited her skin, sparking a fire that had been smoldering between them for too long.

Alex pulled back just slightly, his eyes searching hers with a mixture of awe and surprise. 

“Lily,” he breathed, voice low, almost reverent. “What are we doing?”

Lily looked at him with confusion fixed in her face. She scanned his eyes to know what he was really feeling and all she could see was love.

"What do you mean? I don't understand what you're trying to say" Lily said, her fear being obvious on her face.

She didn't want him to start doubting her now that she was ready to open herself to him. She wouldn't be able to deal with the hurt if that was the case.

"I mean, I just feel bad about everything bad happening to you right now is my fault. I caused you to go through this pain and embarrassment" Alex finally said after a short time of silence.

Lily let out a small smile. Now that it was clear Alex genuinely cared incredibly about her, she wasn't going to hols anything back with him.

"You didn't cause any of the bad things happening to me" Lily began. "All the people in school have always been mean to me, years before you even thought of coming to our school. And besides, if you're talking about kissing me earlier today, then the blame doesn't fall entirely on you. I kissed you back because I wanted to."

Alex's eyes fixed on her and she could see his unrest.

"I know, but I still can't help but feel responsible for it because if I hadn't made the move on you, you wouldn't have been in that situation" He said.

Lily could feel the turmoil in his gaze, but she knew how she felt—she couldn’t deny it any longer. 

“Alex,” she whispered, her voice trembling with the weight of her confession, “I’ve never felt this way with anyone. Not Lucas, not Liam… no one.” She hesitated, vulnerability flickering across her face before she continued, “With you, I feel something I can’t ignore.”

He held her gaze, his own emotions written across his face. 

There was no trace of judgment or hesitation, only a tender understanding that made her heart ache. 

He brushed a strand of hair from her face, tucking it gently behind her ear. His movement was just so graceful that it made her heart flutter immediately.

“Lily,” he murmured, his tone soft yet intense, “you mean so much to me. I never thought… I didn’t expect this, but…” He trailed off, his voice thick with emotion. “I want you, too.”

Lily couldn't believe her ears. She couldn't believe that these words were coming out of his mouth.

For a moment, silence settled between them, the weight of their words hanging in the air. 

Then, slowly, Lily reached for his hand, entwining her fingers with his as she looked up at him, her gaze steady. 

“I want this, Alex,” she said, her voice unwavering. “I want to be with you.”

His breath hitched as he searched her face, ensuring that she meant every word. 

“Are you sure?” he asked, his hand caressing her cheek, his thumb tracing soft circles on her skin. “You’re mated to them, Lily… this could complicate things.”

She shook her head, conviction in her eyes. 

“I don’t care,” she whispered fiercely. “I know what I feel, and I want this. I want you.” She leaned in, her lips brushing against his, sealing her words with a kiss that spoke of all her buried longing.

Their kiss deepened, turning passionate and intense as the world faded away. 

Alex’s hands roamed over her, his touch gentle yet filled with unrestrained desire. 

Lily’s heart raced as she gave in to the moment, surrendering completely to the emotions she had kept hidden for so long.

As his lips moved down to her neck, leaving a trail of soft kisses, she felt herself trembling with anticipation, ready to give herself entirely. 

She felt alive, free, as if this was where she was meant to be. 

Her breath grew ragged, her skin tingling under his touch, as their bond grew stronger, connecting them on a level she hadn’t known was possible.

But just as they were about to lose themselves completely in each other, a loud knock echoed from the door, breaking the spell. 

Both of them froze, the sound jarring and unwelcome in their shared sanctuary. 

Alex’s gaze shifted to the door, his face darkening with irritation.

“Who’s there?” he called, a frustrated edge to his voice.

The guard’s voice came through the door. 

“Sir, someone is here to see you. It’s urgent.”

Alex clenched his jaw, casting a regretful look at Lily. 

He gently brushed his thumb along her cheek, as if reluctant to leave. 

“I’m sorry, Lily. I’ll be back soon,” he murmured, his voice thick with unspoken words. 

With a final, lingering gaze, he rose from the bed and strode toward the door.

As he stepped out, Lily was left alone in the quiet room, her heart still pounding, her body alive with the memory of his touch. 

She lay back on the bed, trying to steady her breathing, her mind racing with a thousand thoughts. 

She’d opened her heart to him, given him a piece of herself, and the connection they’d shared felt undeniable.

But her peace was short-lived. 

Moments later, she heard voices downstairs, and a chill ran down her spine as she recognized Lucas’s angry tone, loud and demanding. 

“Where is Lily?” he barked, his voice echoing through the house.