Note: If you are uncomfortable reading sexually explicit content, you can safely skip this chapter. Any major plot points will be recapped in the next chapter.

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The soft click of the door closing behind us seems to echo in the stillness of Sonny's home. We walk through a dark hallway to a small bench and take off our shoes in unison. Priorities.

He leads me through the living room, his hand barely brushing against mine. It's a space that reflects him – elegant, understated, yet with hidden depths. Abstract art adorns the cream walls, adding splashes of color to the otherwise neutral palette. A plush charcoal leather sectional faces floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a view of the greenery outside. We are far away from the hustle and bustle of central London here.

My gaze lingers on a sleek coffee table, its surface pristine save for a single remote control placed at an exact right angle.

Everything is immaculate, almost too perfect.

Does he even actually live here?

'What?' Sonny asks quietly, coming up close behind me. I turn to see his face lit with amusement, but his eyes are sharp, inquisitive.

A shiver runs through my stomach.

Since we left the party hand-in-hand, all through the ride next to him while he drove us over in his Mercedes, there's been an undercurrent of... something. Nothing overt, but a palpable sense of tension. Now, in the privacy of his apartment, the something seems to be growing by the second.

I take a steadying breath, grounding myself in the present moment.

Sonny shrugs off his jacket, draping it carefully over his arm, still looking at me expectantly.

He really cares about what I think, doesn't he?

'It looks just how I imagined', I quip, recalling his words from his first visit to my apartment.

'Not boring I hope,' he smirks, acknowledging our shared memory.

'We'll have to see,' I answer, hiding my nervousness behind cheek, and glance away.

'By all means,' he waves his free hand. 'Let me give you a tour.'

We go back via the hallway, now lit up. The dining area comes into view, a sleek table surrounded by modern chairs that probably cost more than my monthly rent. The open kitchen beyond is all gleaming stainless steel and pristine marble countertops. He said he didn't cook, but if I were him, I would want to cook in here every day.

I pretend to look at the fixtures minutely, trying to ignore how aware I am of his demanding presence.

'This way,' he points towards the stairs, with a roguish grin.

I hitch up my dress, now trailing behind me sans my heels, as we climb up. Sonny doesn't bother to switch on the lights. My pulse quickens as we navigate in the shadows until we reach an open door.

'My bedroom,' he says, a touch of discomfiture in his voice.

I hesitate at the threshold. It somehow feels like I'm crossing an invisible line.

Stepping in with my heart pounding, the first thing I see is the massive bed dominating the room, its dark leather headboard a stark contrast to crisp white sheets. Small lamps cast a warm glow from the wall on either side of the bed. Another floor-to-ceiling window spans the wall opposite to the bed, but the view is almost completely shielded by a tree, so even with the blinds open there is full privacy.

The room is just as tidy as the rest of the place, but there are personal touches here and there – a framed kit, a stuffed bear on the bedside table, a shelf with some books – I'll have to take a closer look at those later.

'And this is probably my favorite room,' I hear Sonny's voice behind me, along with the sound of a sliding door, 'my closet.'

His favorite room is...the closet?

I knew he's into fashion, and he's always dressed impeccably, but he must have some serious collection for him to love his closet so much.

He stands by the door, waiting for me. I slowly make my way, curiosity driving me.

I brush past to walk inside and nearly stumble back. It's like I've wandered into some high-end boutique by mistake. Shirts, pants, and suits hang in perfect rows, mostly designer. Shoes line up on glowing shelves like they're afraid to touch each other.

And I thought I was fancy for color-coordinating my closet.

It's all very impressive, but also not for the first time, I realize how different we are. This is luxury on a scale I can barely comprehend.

Sonny hangs up his jacket on a hanger and loosens up his collar, removing his tie. Meanwhile, I take my time browsing the shelves, admiring his extensive watch collection, until I'm at the back of the room, face-to-face with a full-length mirror.

I study myself, framed by this opulent backdrop.

Wisps of hair have escaped my bun – the price of my stubborn refusal to use hairspray. No regrets though, I absolutely despise that crunchy feeling. Makeup surprisingly doesn't look too worse for the wear. Lips are still stained rosy, eyelashes still long and dark without a smudge.

The dress, I have to admit, was truly made for me. The lovely blush tone really complements my skin. The edge of the strapless bodice skims my chest, drawing attention to my neck and collarbones. Swaths of fabric fall behind dreamily. I remember Sonny's words from earlier this evening, and for a moment, I allow myself to find the girl in the mirror pretty.

Sonny walks over to stand behind me, his reflection joining mine. At first, I hold my breath, half-expecting the illusion to shatter. But it doesn't. Seeing myself next to him doesn't feel out of place – the couple standing in front of me look like they belong together. They feel right together.

He places his hands on my shoulders, our eyes meeting in the mirror.

'We look good together,' he smiles. Great minds think alike?

I give him a tentative smile, feeling gratified.

His fingers begin to trail down to my elbows, while he still holds my gaze. After an infinitesimal pause, he pulls me closer, wrapping his arms around. The scent of his cologne envelops me, familiar and intoxicating. The veins in his forearms stand out, with his shirt sleeves pushed up.

My heart thunders in my chest.

There's no way he can't hear it.

The seconds stretch on, thick with all things unspoken. I can feel the steady rise and fall of Sonny's chest against my back, our breaths falling into sync.

'Beautiful,' he murmurs in Korean, his eyes on my likeness. And then he drops his head, tucking his chin into the curve my shoulder.

'Tonight...allow me this...' he pauses, seemingly struggling to articulate his thoughts. 'Be mine.'

The meaning of his words sends tremors through me.

Blood rushes to my ears, and I avert my eyes, the weight of his request too much to bear.

It's not like it's completely unexpected, this entire evening has been building to this crescendo. He has been so so patient all this time, and he has every right to ask this of me – I know that in my heart. I really do. But a small part of me is still scared, all too aware of the potential for heartbreak. The other part though, its yearning to surrender, to let the current of whatever this is between us sweep me away.

I look back, meeting his mirrored gaze. His eyes are intent on my face dark with desire, but there's also tenderness in there. His lips form the tiniest pout, making my chest ache.

Shyness overcomes me as I bite my own lips, and nod my head, signaling my acquiescence.

A spark lights up in his eyes and a smile plays on his lips.

And then in one quick motion he sweeps me up into his arms.

A startled gasp escapes me, and he looks down at my face, his lips curving further up in delight.

He carries me towards the bedroom with deliberate steps. I loop my arms around his neck to steady myself, heart racing, both thrilled and terrified at the same time. Every point of contact between us feels electric, heightening my awareness of his proximity.

At the bed's edge, he sets me down with care, sat facing towards him. My fingers toy nervously with the fabric of my dress, not knowing where to look, what to do.

Sonny drops to one knee, bringing our faces level. He reaches up with one hand to cup my face as if to say, look at me. His touch is gentle, but confident and assertive at the same time. I obey and stare into his eyes, giving him my undivided attention. He rewards me with another small smile. His other hand finds my waist. I can feel the heat of his palm through the thin fabric of my dress.

Then slowly, ever so slowly, he closes the distance between us. His lips press against mine, just a peck at first, and then another, and then another, until the intensity builds up and he's kissing me like he has the right – without any reservation or hesitation. I yield all control to him as he angles my face to grant him better access. He deepens the kiss, his tongue brushing against mine in a tender dance. I use my tongue to tease him back in response, eager to please him.

He pulls back slightly and looks at me curiously, but I can't quite interpret his expression. I look back timidly, afraid that I might have done something wrong.

But maybe I shouldn't have been too concerned, because he dives right back in, kissing with more fervor than ever. I lose all conscious thought, completely absorbed in him. Before long, I feel the tiniest bit of pressure from his hands.

He's starting to push me backward onto the bed.

No. Not yet.

Alarm bells ring in my head, a sense of urgency overtaking me.

My hands find his chest, pushing back instinctively.

He pulls back once more, this time the confusion clear in his face.

What am I doing? Why am I doing this?

I sit straight and open my mouth, searching for words. I can tell he's trying his best to keep his expression neutral, but there's hints of hurt lurking there.

'Can we...can we take it slow?' I mumble.

I can do this. I want to do this. I trust him, I really do. I just...need a little more time.

'Okay,' he nods with a reassuring press-lipped smile, his hand still on my cheeks. I exhale, not realizing I'd been holding my breath.

He cradles my face in both hands. Kneeling before me on both knees, as if to pray, he studies my face – eyes filled with reverence and adoration.

My heart melts.

What did I do to deserve the goodness of this man? Why do I make him suffer so?

He leans in to gently kiss my forehead. The devotion in this simple act washes over me, sending waves of warmth and security like I've never felt before. Its like the kiss is healing me, soothing all the scars of my soul. I close my eyes, a contented sigh escaping my lips.

His lips move on to each of my eyelids, then my cheeks, and finally my chin, like he's performing some ancient ritual.

His hands slide down to hold me by my upper arms as he moves down to graze his lips on my neck, sending a quiver down to my core.

'You're not wearing my ring today,' he notes the absence of the makeshift necklace.

'Not sure if it goes with my outfit,' I admit sheepishly.

'I'll have to get you one to go with every outfit then,' he smirks.

I know he's only joking, I think, but a flicker of panic still flares in my chest. I hope he doesn't think my expectations of him will change after tonight.

His lips return to my skin, planting a line of pecks on my shoulders. Each one makes my skin tingle in their trail, calming my racing thoughts. With painstaking care, he methodically traces a constellation with his mouth below my collarbones, moving downward inch by inch. I know where this is going, but, this time, I'm not afraid.

He reaches the edge of the dress and pauses to look up at me. I can't quite meet his gaze, and if my face was flushed before, it feels like on fire now. Moving his hands to the back, he finds the hooks. I sit unmoving, heart beating faster and faster, as he decisively unhooks the first notch.

Soon he reaches the last hook near my waist, and the front begins to sag forward.

'Wait,' I falter, holding up the bodice with my hands to prevent it from falling. The dress is boned with a built-in corset and I'm not wearing anything else inside.

My breathing is heavy – not with fear of revealing myself to him, but rather fear that he won't like what he sees.

I start to move my hands away but stop again, self-consciousness paralyzing me.

'Should we turn off the lights?' I offer bashfully.

'No,' he says firmly, his gaze steady. 'I want to see you.'

He brings his hands forward to place on top of mine and pries my fingers away one by one. I let him do so without protest, finding it easier to surrender to his lead.

As the dress falls away, I resist the urge to cover myself, instead watching his reaction. The cool air hits my skin, raising goosebumps in its wake, but it's the pure look of rapture in his face that makes me shiver.

I've never felt more desired, cherished.

'You wanted to hide this from me?' he asks accusingly. 'You're so beautiful, more than I could ever imagine.' He buries his face down peppering kisses all across. His hand cups one side, and he puts his mouth on the other, suckling softly. I gasp at the sensation as waves of pleasure wash over me. Encouraged, he pushes me back down once more, and this time I let him, willingly.

He continues to savor me, and a moan comes out of me, the sound foreign to my own ear.

How does he make me feel like this?

It's as if his existence taught me to breathe anew, giving me a fresh lease in life, awakening sensations I never felt before.

When he breaks away, I immediately miss his warmth, not wanting him to go. He stands, fumbling with his shirt buttons, and I watch laying down in dazed wonder.

He shrugs it off revealing his lean, toned body.

He's so handsome that it hurts to look at him.

How did I get so lucky?

Maybe the feeling is mutual, because he can't take his eyes off me either.

He pulls me back up to help me out of my dress. I remove a tangle of pins from my hair to let it fall free. Sonny pushes a button, and the blinds begin to lower. I suddenly notice the sound of rain against the windows, with droplets lashing against the glass. I can't believe I didn't hear it all this time. But really, can you blame me?

Sonny lifts me up in his arms one more time, this time laying me down flat, and I sink into the silky bedlinens, head resting on a fluffy pillow.

He proceeds to climb on top, hovering over me.

It's odd how time can take on a mystical quality, each scene unfolding in a surreal, dreamlike state.

'Bella,' his voice low. He says my name like it's something precious.

I want to answer but can't find my words.

And then I don't need words anymore. He captures my lips in a kiss, putting his whole weight on me. The feeling of skin on skin is exquisite, the hardness of his body against mine.

Sonny's hands and lips explore all over, and I find myself feverish in response. I arch into him, craving more contact, more of everything. My hands cautiously roam his back, marveling at the muscles shifting beneath my touch. My body thrums with a primitive need, a need to unite with him in body and soul.

I want to be with him, in every sense of the word.

I want him.

I love him.

Oh my god, I love this man.

Oh, but it's so more than that. The words 'I love you' seem inadequate, too small to contain the vastness of what I'm feeling.

Even if he ends up leaving me, even if my heart is broken, even this is our last time together, no matter what happens, I just don't care anymore. I want to give my everything to him without holding back, even if I get nothing in return. Because that's what love is.

I hug him close to my body, pressing a kiss on the side of his face, basking in the warmth of my newfound realization.

But Sonny seems to be on a different wavelength. Where I feel a serene certainty, he appears to be on edge. His kisses grow more erratic, his breathing ragged. He lifts himself up, hands braced on either side of my head.

He looks at me pleadingly. 'I can't...it's hard to wait longer now,'

I stare at him wordlessly.

This man, he was a blindingly bright star lightyears away in the night sky, forever to be out of my reach. But somehow, that star fell in my lap, as impossible as it seems. So, for tonight, just for tonight, I want to forget everything that makes us different and just drown myself in his beautiful light. Because, no matter what the future holds, this night is perfect. And maybe, just maybe, that's enough.

I nod, giving him my consent, ready for whatever may come.

I'm yours.

He seems to freeze for a second, and then his eye take on a triumphant quality.

He moves off me, shedding the last of his clothing before removing the last bit of mine. I tremble, just a little, but stay in place. Coming back up, he stops for a second to look at me, as if he's trying to decide something, and then reaches for protection in his bedside drawer.

Covering my body with his, he readies me with his fingers till I'm squirming against him, toes curled in, unable to contain my want.

With that, he positions himself between my legs and starts to enter me. Slowly, carefully. I breathe in sharply as the length and girth of him stretches me to my limit.

'You're doing so good, just a little more,' he urges. His voice is a gentle murmur but in this dim light his eyes are dark pools, filled with an intensity that makes my heart stutter.

It takes some effort, but once he's fully in he remains still, giving us time to adjust to this new intimacy.

Then he begins to move, and coherent thought becomes impossible. Pain becomes pleasure and there's only sensation, only the rhythm that we create together. His fingers intertwine with mine, pinning my hands gently on the sides.

I lose track of time, lost in the momentum building within me. Sonny's movements become more hurried, his breath coming in short exhales that match my own.

He nuzzles his face in my neck as he speeds up, and I feel myself teetering on the edge. With a cry of ecstasy, I come undone, head tossed back in waves of bliss washing over me.

I love you, I mouth silently, as I come down from my high. I love you so much.

His pace grows more frantic after that, causing the headboard to thud against the wall with each push. I hold onto him, wrapping my legs around to allow him more freedom.

He groans out loud and finds his release soon after with a final thrust, collapsing on top of me.

As our heartbeats slow and our breathing steadies, he kisses me on my forehead, flooding me with a perfect sense of contentment.

The calming patter of raindrops like a lullaby, sleep begins to claim us both, and I realize that for the first time in forever, I feel truly, completely happy.

***

I wake slowly, consciousness seeping in like the soft morning light filtering through the blinds. For a moment, I'm disoriented, the unfamiliar surroundings confusing my sleep-addled brain. Then I turn my head and see Sonny lying next to me, peaceful in slumber, and everything rushes back.

My body aches with a sweet soreness, a testament to our night together. Memories flood back – waking in the early hours of dawn to his gentle caresses, Sonny guiding me on top of him to take me once more, him directing our movements from below.

My face flushes hot at the recollection.

'Every small thing you feel, I can see it in your eyes. You would be a terrible liar...'

He had laughingly said those words in those magical moments afterwards.

Terrible liar.

On the contrary, I'm quite a good one, aren't I?

He will discover that one day.

I study his face, memorizing every line and curve. The urge to wake him up and confess everything is overwhelming. And after the confession if he leaves me, so be it. It's what I deserve.

But whatever happens now, I have no regrets. Not for meeting him, not for the lies, if that's what brought us to this point, and definitely not for anything that happened between us last night. I'll remember last night for the rest of my life only for how perfect it was.

I reach out, my fingers floating just above his cheek, not quite touching.

I'll never give anyone else your place in my heart.

Sonny stirs slightly, and I quickly withdraw my hand.

I close my eyes, wanting to stay in this liminal place between dreaming and waking. Reality can wait, just a little longer.