Chapter 10

Ophelia 

Sophia’s smirk told me she was enjoying every second of my discomfort, and I could feel everyone’s eyes on me, waiting.

“Um…” I laughed nervously, glancing down at my hands. “That’s a bit personal, don’t you think?”

“Come on, Ophelia,” Elina nudged me gently. “It’s all in good fun.”

I took a deep breath, deciding to keep my answer as vague as possible. “Well… yes, I suppose I have.”

There was a ripple of murmurs, and a few raised eyebrows, “Alright, who’s the person?”

Then I noticed Ryder, leaning against the back of the couch, his gaze fixed on me with a curious intensity that made my heart skip.

If I call Ryder's name, it will raise more questions. Questions I don't want to answer. Before I could go back on my decision, I blurted the first name I could think of. “Dave,” I said slowly and added, “my friend from work”

There was silence for a moment.

David, as if sensing my discomfort, spun the bottle again. This time it landed on him. “Truth,” he said, grinning, clearly eager to avoid any daring stunts.

The game continued, the bottle spinning from person to person. Laughter filled the room as dares grew bolder and truths grew deeper, revealing small secrets and playful teasing. Finally, the bottle landed on Ryder, and Elina grinned mischievously.

“Truth or dare?” she challenged.

Ryder’s mouth twitched. “Dare.”

Elina’s eyes sparkled. “I dare you to kiss your wife for 5 minutes in front of everybody.”

I froze in my seat, my eyes meeting Ryder's. “Another dare, Elina” He requested.

“Sorry, nephew, we all want this, right?” Syliva directed the question to everyone and they all nodded their heads.

“You can give up the latest blue sports car in your garage, what is the name again?” David added mischievously.

‘Please say no, please say no’ I pleaded silently. 

I felt a touch on my hand and I raised my head to meet Ryder's eyes. He lifted me to a standing position and took a step closer to me. 

“Kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss,” Elina chanted, and they all joined her.

They stopped as Ryder moved his hand against my chin, taking my hair away from my face. 

My heart started beating fast, almost jumping out of my chest. Butterflies in my stomach seemed to be restless as they danced.

Ryder's hand brushed my cheek, his touch causing an electric current through my body, sending a shiver down my spine.

The room was silent, the air filled with anticipation. I could feel every eye on us, which didn't help in calming me down.

I was nervous and eager at the same time. He leaned in slowly, his eyes flicking to my lips before closing and I swallowed hard, trying to keep my breathing steady.

I closed my eyes as his lips met mine. He lingered for a movement before moving. The kiss started gently, his warm and soft lips against mine. His hand slid to the small of my back, pulling me closer and I felt the heat between us rise.

His lips pressed deeper into mine, his movements drawing me in and intoxicating me. The world around us faded, leaving only us in the moment.

I could only feel the sensation of his touch, his scent, the warmth of his body, and his warm lips on mine.

A soft moan escaped me, and he responded by tilting my face and deepening the kiss, his fingers threading through my hair. I ran my hand through his hair, pulling it in the process, and a deep sound came from his throat. Every inch of my body was on fire, my heart thudding in my chest as though it might burst out.

Someone cleared their throat, breaking the trance between us. Ryder pulled back slowly, resting his head on mine to catch his breath.

 We were both breathing heavily. His gaze lingered on me before he finally stepped away. I could feel the blush burning on my cheeks as I was in everyone's line of sight.

“Guess the dare is complete,” Ryder said, his voice low and controlled as if he was as affected and shaking as I was.

The room erupted in whistles, claps, and laughter, breaking the tension of the moment. Elina’s eyes sparkled with mischief and satisfaction while David gave Ryder an approving nod.

I managed a shaky smile, though I could barely focus. I was still feeling Ryder’s touch like a lingering warmth. He held my gaze for a beat longer, his expression unreadable, and then he finally walked back to his seat.

I sat and Elina leaned over, whispering to me, “That was quite a show. I think everyone is convinced now.”

“Convinced of what?” I asked, my curiosity pricking.

“That you are Ryder's woman,” she said and started teasing Ryder.

I laughed softly, trying to brush off the heat rising to my face, but I couldn’t ignore the unfamiliar flutter in my chest.

 The kiss may have been just a dare, but to me, it wasn't. It was something I have always wanted. It was something I have always wanted the taste of. It was my first kiss.

Something in Ryder’s eyes told me it also wanted the kiss. There is also a possibility that what I read in his eyes after the kiss might mean he feels more about me. And, deep down, a part of me wished it did.