Forbidden Cravings-Chapter 21: My Love for Her

"I love you—obviously, as a man, I'll do anything for you," I said, picking up a piece of stir-fried veggie with my chopsticks, popping it into my mouth slow and deliberate. I let the words hang there, chewing like it was no big deal, giving them space to sink in.

Aeri froze across from me, her spoon halfway to her lips, and I could see the pink flush creeping up her cheeks, fast and bright. Her heartbeat must've skipped—she blinked quick, her eyes darting away, then back, like she didn't know what to say. The air went thick for a second, the clatter of dishes fading into the background.

She tilted her head up, staring at the ceiling like it might give her an answer, then glanced at me. I kept my focus on my bowl, scooping up more rice, acting like I hadn't said anything to her. She swallowed hard, taking the spoon into her mouth slow, chewing as if it'd buy her time.

"So don't say stuff like that again," I said, keeping my tone light but firm, glancing at her with a half-smile. "No guilt trips, okay?"

"Hmm... I won't," she said, her voice soft, almost a whisper, nodding silently. Her blush hadn't faded, but she ducked her head back to her food, and we slipped into a quiet rhythm, finishing off the meal.

A few minutes later, the plates were empty, and we shuffled over to the couch, plopping down side by side. The TV flickered on, some goofy series she loved. Aeri settled in, her legs tucked under her, and started giggling at the screen, her voice brightening up.

"It's so funny, right, Ezra?" she said, nudging me with her elbow, her eyes sparkling as she glanced over.

"Yeah... it is—" I started, but my voice cut off, cracking mid-sentence. My head felt heavy—too heavy—and before I knew it, it dropped onto her shoulder, the weight of the night crashing down on me. My body gave out, exhaustion hitting like a truck, and I dozed off right there, slumping against her without even realizing it.

"Ezra...?" she asked, her voice soft, turning her head to look at me. I didn't answer—just slid further, my head slipping from her shoulder down to her lap, landing soft on her thighs. The warmth of her seeped through her one-piece, and I curled into it, too tired to move.

"Ezra! You okay?" she said, a little louder now, her hands finding my face, cupping my cheeks gentle but firm.

"Yeah... just a little sleepy..." I mumbled, my eyes already closed, my voice thick and sluggish. I shifted, wrapping an arm around her waist, holding onto her like she was a lifeline, my face nuzzling into her lap like a kid clinging to a blanket.

She went quiet, her chest sinking as she let out a slow breath, staring down at me. Her fingers traced my jaw for a second, then slid to my shoulder, resting there as she adjusted her legs under me, letting me settle in.

The TV's chatter fading to a hum. Her hand stayed on me, steady and light.

I was out cold, too tired to move, but I could sense her there, steady and warm, a quiet guilt tugging at her. She probably thought I'd been up all night working myself ragged—technically true, just not the way she imagined. Her touch was gentle, like she was trying to make up for it, and I drifted deeper, the world fading away.

I don't know how long I was out—hours slipped by like nothing. When my eyes finally cracked open, slow and heavy, the room was bathed in a warm orange glow, the late afternoon sun streaming through the window behind her.

Aeri was still there, right where I'd left her, my head still resting on her lap. She'd swapped the TV for a book now, its pages open in her hands, her dark hair falling over one shoulder as she read, quiet and calm.

"Ohh... Ezra, you're awake now?" she asked, her voice soft but bright, glancing down at me with a little smile.

"Ahh..." I groaned, rubbing my temple as my head spun, still foggy from sleep. "I just passed out like that... What time is it? And why are you still here? Didn't you have stuff to do around the house?" I said.

She reached down, pinching my cheek sharp, her grin widening. "You're not the only one who knows how to work around here," she said, her tone teasing but warm. "I got everything done—cleaned up, made some calls, all of it—and came back to keep you comfy on my lap." She tilted her head, her eyes softening. "You look cute when you're sleeping, you know. Like a big baby."

My face heated up fast, a blush creeping up my neck, and I turned my eyes away, muttering under my breath. "Tch... don't say that." I didn't like how she made me sound like some kid—cute wasn't my thing—but deep down, I kinda loved it, the way she saw me like that. It hit a spot I didn't want to admit.

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I let out a slow *sighhh* She was ethereal—her beauty glowing in the afternoon light, that blue one-piece hugging her boobs ans waist just right. Her bust pushed against the fabric, the sexy dip of her cleavage catching my eye, her neck long and smooth.

*Ahh... she's so fucking fine*, I thought, my pulse kicking up despite the sleep still clinging to me. I reached up, gently pulling the book from her hands and setting it on the couch beside us, then leaned in, closing the gap to kiss her.

Her eyes went wide, surprised, while mine fluttered shut, sinking into it. Her lips were soft, warm, and I could feel her freeze for a second before she melted, her face flushing red again.

"I love you, Aeri," I said, pulling back just enough to say it, my voice low and steady, meaning every word.

"Ezra..." she said, her tone flustered, her hands hovering like she didn't know where to put them. "You just woke up—go freshen up, eat something, come on." She tried to nudge me off, her blush deepening, but I wasn't having it.

"No... I want you," I said, my voice dropping, firm and needy. I grabbed her wrists, pulling her down in one smooth move. The couch creaked as I flipped us—she landed under me, her back sinking into the cushions, and I hovered over her, my body pressing close.

Our eyes locked. Her chest rose and fell fast, her one-piece riding up a little, and I could feel the heat of her skin under mine, pulling me in.

"Ezra, seriously..." she started, her voice shaky but not pushing me away, her hands resting on my chest now, caught between stopping me and giving in.

"Seriously," I echoed, looking down at her, my damp hair falling into my eyes. "I'm awake now—and you're all I want." Her blush spread, and I leaned closer, letting her feel the weight of me.