Chapter 18
The kiss deepened, slow and hesitant at first, then bolder as though neither of us could deny the truth we had been circling for so long. Martin’s hand cupped my cheek, steady and warm, his thumb brushing the corner of my mouth.”
It wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t desperate. It was everything I hadn’t known I was starving for–gentleness, patience, the kind of closeness that didn’t demand, only gave. The night air was cool, but my body burned as he pulled me closer, his forehead resting against mine when we finally broke apart to breathe.”
“Emerald,” he murmured, his voice rough, as if saying my name alone cost him control.
My heart fluttered, wild and unsure. I could feel the fear pressing in–fear of losing again, of being betrayed again. But then I looked at him. Really looked at him. And for once, I didn’t see my enemy, or my savior, or the man who had teased me through half of my life. I saw someone who wanted to stay.”
So when he leaned forward again, I let him.”
His lips found mine once more, slower this time, lingering as though he was memorizing me. My hands trembled, caught between pushing him away and pulling him closer, until instinct won and I clutched at his shirt. The fabric bunched beneath my fingers, grounding me in the reality that this wasn’t a dream–he was really here, choosing me in this fragile, dangerous moment.”
Martin’s touch was unhurried, his fingers brushing over my jaw, trailing down my arm before settling at my waist. He held me as though I might break, as though every movement needed permission. When I tilted my head, pressing harder into him, he exhaled a shaky breath against my mouth, and I realized he was holding back just as much as I was.
The world outside dimmed. The night, the stars, the city noise–all of it blurred into silence. There was only his warmth, the steady thrum of his heartbeat against my chest, the way his forehead pressed to mine as if he couldn’t bear to let even air come between us.
For the first time in years, I didn’t feel hollow. I didn’t feel like a ghost of who I once was. I felt alive. Wanted. Safe.
When we finally pulled apart, I was breathless, my cheeks flushed, my body humming with something both terrifying and exhilarating.
And when he wrapped me in his arms, tucking me against him as if to shield me from the world, I realized–I wanted to stay, too.
The rest of the night blurred into warmth–his hand in mine, his lips trailing against my hairline, the weight of his arm wrapped protectively around me as if he would shield me from every shadow. No words were needed. We simply stayed there, tangled in each other until the lanterns dimmed and the stars gave way to dawn.
I woke to the soft light filtering through unfamiliar curtains. The sheets were cool against my skin, and the steady sound of breathing beside me anchored me to reality. My eyes fluttered open to find Martin propped up on one elbow, watching me with a grin that was entirely too smug.§
“Good morning, sunshine.” His tone was teasing, his hair tousled from sleep.
I blinked, sitting up slightly. “Where are we?“”
“Hotel,” he said casually, stretching. “You dozed off, so I carried you here. Thought you deserved an actual bed after… you know.” His grin widened.
I threw a pillow at him. “Stop smiling like that.“”
“Like what?” he asked innocently. “Like a man who finally got kissed by the woman he’s been chasing for years?”
Heat flushed my cheeks. “Martin…”
He leaned closer, lowering his voice in mock seriousness. “So, Emerald, what are we now?“&
I froze. “What?”
“You heard me.” His smirk was back, though his eyes softened with something deeper. “What are we? Lovers? Enemies with benefits? Future power couple of the century?”
I rolled my eyes, though my heart thudded painfully. “Friends,” I said flatly, trying to keep my voice steady.
He let out a dramatic groan, clutching his chest as if I’d stabbed him. “Friends? After that night? You wound me, Emerald.”
I laughed despite myself, hugging the pillow to my chest. “What else do you expect me to say?”
“I don’t know,” he said, leaning in until our noses nearly touched. “Maybe something like… I can’t resist you, Martin, please never leave me?“%
“Never in your dreams,” I shot back, shoving him lightly.
He grinned again, softer this time. “We’ll see. I’m patient.“W
Later that day, we returned home. Gwen’s laughter was the first sound I heard as we entered the house. She was sitting on the floor with her toys, her doll propped up beside her as she built a little castle out of blocks.”
The moment she saw me, her eyes lit up. “Mama!“}
1/2 59.34
12:15 PM PP
I bent down to scoop her into my arms, breathing in the familiar scent of her hair. “Sweetheart,” I whispered, holding her close.
Then her gaze shifted to Martin, who had stepped inside behind me with his usual easy smile. Gwen’s lips pursed. She crossed her arms, her tiny face serious.
“You again,” she muttered.”
Martin knelt down to her level, unfazed. “Me again. Did you miss me, princess?”
“No,” she said defiantly. “You’re the reason Daddy left.“”
The words stabbed me, but Martin only sighed, as if he had expected it. “Maybe you’re right to think that,” he said softly. “But I’m here now. And I’d really like a chance to make it up to you.“N
Gwen blinked, surprised at his calmness. Then, to my relief, she huffed and turned back to me. “Mama, why is he still here?”
“Because,” I said gently, brushing her hair back, “he makes me smile. And I think he wants to help us be happy.”
She stared at me, her little eyes searching mine. Finally, she whispered, “Will he make you cry like Daddy did?”
The lump in my throat almost choked me. I hugged her tighter. “No, sweetheart. I won’t let anyone make me cry like that again.”
Gwen leaned back slightly, her gaze flickering between the two of us. At last, her shoulders slumped. “Okay. If he doesn’t make you cry… then I’ll love him.“”
Martin’s grin was instant, his eyes shining as he reached out and ruffled her hair. “Deal.”}
flaughed through the sting of tears, holding both of them in my sight–the daughter I had fought for, and the man who, against all odds, might just be the beginning of something new.
For the first time in years, hope didn’t feel like a lie.
