Forbidden Love novel Chapter 9

It was past one in the morning. Eli and I had still not slept, nor was he planning to leave. We were both laughing hysterically on my bed about literally nothing. In the time he was here, we ordered even more food and I was sure I’d explode since I ate so much. He was still wearing his clothes from earlier: gray sweatpants and a black shirt.

He looks like he belongs to the streets, I thought, laughing a bit. He’s for the streets.

“Why are you laughing?” Eli asked, turning to me.

I giggled. “What you’re wearing -” I tried explaining “- it looks like you’re meant for the streets.” He laughed, eyes lightening up as he stared at my eyes. He makes me feel like the funniest person on earth.

We sat in silence for a few seconds before he spoke up. “I wasn’t going to say anything, but I feel like I have to ask. Who’s Liam to you?”

I sighed. I knew we were going to talk about this, so I didn’t really mind much.

“Liam’s my best friend and ex-boyfriend. We dated for a year before we realized that we were better off as friends. He was there for me when I was at my lowest points. He’s family, Eli. And nothing will happen between me and him. Alright?” I asked slowly.

He nodded. “I understand. I didn’t want to come off as mean or anything - I just really like you a lot. I’m not a controlling person, you can hang out with whoever you want whenever you want, I just want to make sure you’re loyal, you know?”

This is what I mean when I say he’s perfect. But why is it getting on my nerves so much? I’m supposed to be happy yet…I’m not? I have to ask -

“Why do you act perfect? You have nothing bad about you. Why is that?” I asked before thinking.

He looked stunned and opened his mouth and closed it like a fish. It was a bit funny. I had to remind myself it’s a serious conversation.

“I’m not perfect. I’m far from it, actually. I have a lot of flaws. I just learn to hide them. I own a business, as you know, so it comes with certain consequences, if you will. I’m sorry if you see me as Mr. Perfect.”

“Oh,” I said dumbfoundedly. “It keeps passing my mind that you are a CEO. A successful one, too. Sorry for the way it came out. I don’t see you as just Mr. Perfect. I see a lot of things,” I told him, smirking at the last part.

He smirked back. “What do you see?” He moved closer, making my heart flutter.

“You’re handsome, smart, funny…did I say handsome? Like, you’re really hot.”

He laughed, and God did I love his laugh. It was deep and just so smooth and hot. Then, he cupped my cheeks in both of his hands. His breath was fanning my face. Butterflies erupted from my stomach to my chest. My heart skipped a beat.

I stared at his deep brown eyes and I began gently playing with his hair. I subconsciously bit my lip.

“You’re sexy when you do that,” he said. Before I could respond, he connected our lips together. I quickly parted my lips, giving him some access. My whole body was tingling with pleasure and warmth.

Before things could get too far, I pulled away. We both looked at each other, a little dazed from the kiss.

“Wow,” he breathed. “That was amazing.”

I blushed. “Yeah. It was.”

I didn’t think he’d be such an amazing kisser. I almost felt bad because of Jasmine. I turned to look at the clock and saw that it was already 2 in the morning and I still wasn’t tired. But wait…Jasmine. Who was taking care of her right now? Eli had been with me the whole day.

“Hey, Eli?”

“Hm?”

“Where’s Jasmine? Who’s taking care of her?”

“She’s doing well last I checked. And she’s with her mom. I’m gonna get her tomorrow. I also wanted to thank you for the impact you had on her.”

I smiled proudly. “Yeah. She’s a really sweet girl. I can’t wait to see her grow up. She’s gonna be the most independent, most powerful woman ever. I just know it. I can already envision it,” I softly said while looking at the ceiling.

“I like when you talk about her like that,” he confessed. “She’s growing way too fast for me. I just want to hold her and protect her from all evil.”

My heart fluttered a little.

“You’re an amazing father. Just don’t hold her too tight. She needs to explore the world, too.”

“I’m scared.”

“Don’t be.”

After that we didn’t say a word to each other. He just laid his head on my lap and I ended up playing with his hair.

I looked at his peaceful figure, knowing this is going to hurt…

But it’s gonna hurt more if I don’t try, right?