Desired by All and He Threw Away 68

Taylor’s POV 

The moment Dylan and Ella disappear down the hall silence rushes in thick heavy and almost living.the kind that hums against my skin like static. 

the faint sound of their footsteps fades into the distance swallowed by the echoing marble, leaving only the sharp rhythm of my own breathing and the steady beat of Aiden’s heart against my ear. 

i dont move.neither does he.his arm is still around my waist solid and sure fingers resting just above my hip steadying me when everything else feels like its still spinning.the air between us feels fragile like one wrong breath might shatter it. 

then his voice breaks through low and smooth threaded with quiet amusement. ” how long do you plan on staying in my arms?” 

The words hit harder than they should. i blink startled realizing just how close i still am pressed against him his warmth bleeding through the thin fabric of my uniform. 

heat begins flares in my cheeks as i step back too quickly almost tripping over my own heels.my body protests the distance a quiet ache settling where his hand used to be. 

“i–uh–i wasnt-“the words trip over themselves completely useless. 

Aiden’s lips twitch a hint of a smirk playing there though his eyes stay calm steady. “relax,” he says softly.” You did fine back there.” 

Fine. My pulse still races.my palms are clammy my throat dry.fine doesnt begin to cover the chaos inside me. Thanks,” i manage forcing a small polite smile as if the world hasnt just tilted off its axis. 

he studies me for a second longer- too long.then he gives me a small nod the kind that looks like finality and then he steps aside to let me pass.the moment his hand drops away the hallway feels colder.. The silence feels bigger. 

” 

i turn before he can read whats in my face and start walking.my heels click softly against the marble each sound sharp in the quiet.the air smells faintly of champagne and candle wax a reminder that somewhere beyond this hallway laughter still fills the ballroom. 

my fingers brush absently over the spot on my back where his hand had been and i tell myself its nothing- just leftover adrenaline. Just nerves. Just exhaustion. 

Nothing more. 

but the lie doesnt sit right.it sits heavy like something unspoken pressing down on my chest. 

by the time i reach the after gathering the gala has lost its edge.the crowd has thinned leaving only the polished remnants–investors a few staffers and faces still flushed from champagne. 

music hums low lazy and golden filling the air like smoke.soft lights spill across crystal glasses painting reflections that ripple across the tables.im holding a drink i dont remember picking up the condensation cool against my skin. 

Chapter 66 

I spot him almost instantly. 

Aiden stands near the far wall posture effortless one hand tacked into his pocket the light caches on theetes of his jaw the faint shadow of stubble the line of his shoulders beneath his dark sale 

hes talking to someone–i cant tell who- but then his gaze shifts drawn somewhere across the room 

Not to me. To her. 

Ella. 

she laughing at something one of the PR assistants said head tilted just so her curls shining under the lights.there is still tension in her shoulders though i can see it–the way she keeps glancing around searching for reassurance she wont find. 

and Aiden’s watching her with that same unreadable expression something tight and careful behind his eyes. 

something i cant name. 

my stomach twists.the noise in the room dulls.i take a slow sip from my glass even though the taste is all wrong -too sweet, too sharp like its gone flat the second it hit my tongue. 

i tell myself i dont care. that im just tired.that whatever flicker of ache is curling through my chest is leftover from the confrontation. 

BIG SALE: 3500 bonus free fou you 

P 

Comments