Chapter 18
Lily's POV.
I slipped into the passenger seat of Mark's sleek black sedan, my heart still fluttering from the evening's tensions. "Thanks for this," I murmured as he started the engine.
"Anytime," he said, glancing at me with that easy smile that made my chest warm. "I know your mom's working overnight, so you'd be home alone."
I nodded. "Yeah. I'd feel better not being by myself."
He reached over and gave my hand a quick squeeze. "Come to my place then.I think my parents are out of town for the weekend. We might have the house to ourselves."
The idea felt comforting…and dangerously intimate. "Okay." I ducked as he turned onto the quiet street leading to his family home.
We arrived at a sprawling two-story house, lights off except for the porch lamp. Inside, it was warm and welcoming, the soft glow of recessed lighting, a faint scent of vanilla from the stovetop diffuser.
When we pulled up outside his house, he unlocked the door and led me inside. The house was quiet; his parents weren't home. "Looks like we have the whole place to ourselves," he said with a small smile.
Mark guided me into the living room. "Make yourself at home. I'll get us some tea."
I sank onto the plush sofa, the cushions enveloping me. He reappeared a minute later with two steaming mugs. "Chamomile with honey?" he asked.
I sniffed, smiling. "Perfect."
I followed him up to his room, my thoughts swirling as I noticed how cozy everything looked, like a perfect home where someone like him belonged.
He handed me a mug and settled beside me, draping a cozy blanket over our laps. We clinked mugs and sipped, leaning into one another's warmth.
"That dress looks really good on you," he murmured. "I never told you that before. That color looked amazing on you."
That small compliment felt like sunshine breaking through my guilt. "Thanks, I didn't know it fitted me so well". I whispered, feeling my cheeks warm.
He laughed quietly. "Well, you pulled it off. You always do."
I felt a flutter of gratitude. He'd been so critical lately, commenting on my tired eyes, my lack of makeup, but right now, he'd chosen kindness. "You're sweet," I said, pressing my mug to my lips.
"Want some more tea?" he offered, disappearing into the kitchen. A few minutes later, he returned with a steaming cup and handed it to me.
He kissed my forehead. "Let's get you cleaned up. I'll show you to the bathroom."
***
Steam curled under the bathroom door when I pushed it open. Towels and bath products lined the countertop. "Make yourself at home," Mark called from the hallway.
I giggled and slipped out of my dress, stepping into the warm spray. I leaned back under the water, letting the tension wash away, the echoes of Joe's urgent kisses, our moment, the whole whirlwind of emotions.
Afterward, I toweled off and emerged to find Mark holding out a soft pajama set: lightweight cotton shorts and a loose tee. "Here," he said, helping me step into them. The fabric was cool and comforting against my skin.
I smoothed the shirt and turned to find him already in his own sleepwear, gray joggers and a loose tank.
He flicked off the bathroom light and led me back to the living room. "Netflix?"
"Definitely," I said, curling up under the blanket.
I slipped into bed with him, feeling the steady rhythm of his breathing as he held me close. On the outside, this was all perfect, a quiet house, a caring boyfriend, the glow of Netflix on the screen.
But my thoughts kept drifting back to Joe.
I kept seeing him in my mind, his hands, his lips, the intensity in his gaze. I felt guilt welling up again as Mark stroked my hair gently.
Wasn't this what I had wanted? A boyfriend who made me feel safe? Someone who gave me all his attention? Yet my heart was still elsewhere.
I wiped a tear I hadn't known I'd shed. Mark stroked my hair. "Are you okay?"
I forced a smile. "Yeah. Just… tired."
Mark shifted slightly, reaching for his phone as it buzzed. He glanced at the screen, then immediately hit decline.
"Who was that?" I asked.
"No one," he replied, shrugging. "Just someone I don't want to talk to right now. Tonight, it's just you and me."
That was sweet. That was what I thought I wanted. But my chest felt tight with guilt as I tucked my face into his shoulder. Why couldn't I stop thinking about Joe? Why was my heart aching for someone who pretended I didn't exist in public?
Eventually, my eyes grew heavy, my body melting into the warmth of Mark's arms. My thoughts tangled into dreams, swirling into the one thing I couldn't push away.
I found myself in a different world. Joe and I were playing hide-and-seek in a grand palace, chasing each other through endless halls. Every corner held a new adventure, every laugh was light and full of joy. Finally, I slipped into one of the grand bedrooms and tucked myself behind a curtain. My heart was racing as I heard him come closer and closer, his voice low and teasing.
"You can't hide forever," he chuckled.
He found me at last, strong hands pulling me into his arms.
"My wolf," he murmured. "My mate."
I laughed breathlessly, pinching his arm playfully. "You found me!"
He spun me in a circle, laughter ringing as we chased each other through moonlit rooms. When I ducked into a hidden chamber, he cornered me, pressing me gently against the wall. His lips met mine in a fervent kiss, soft at first, then urgent. I surrendered, tangling my fingers in his hair as he deepened the kiss.
Time slowed as he lowered me onto the bed, his lips capturing mine in a kiss so deep I thought I'd disappear into him. Every touch was fire. Every breath was dizzying. My hands clung to him as his mouth moved to my neck, my body responding before I could stop myself.
"Oh God". I moaned as I felt myself arch into him, my pulse quickening as pleasure built into something unstoppable.
His hand traced down to my lower belly. I felt a cold shiver run through my spine. His finger went further down into my pants, and I was just about to tumble over that edge when I jolted awake, heart pounding and breathless.
The dark room surrounded me, Mark sleeping peacefully by my side. Reality settled back around me, but my thoughts still clung to that dream, the way my body had ached for Joe, the way it felt so real, the way my heart longed for something I wasn't sure I was allowed to want.