Chapter 14: Flames That Don't Fade
The silence after Section E's intrusion stretched like a rubber band ready to snap. They were loud, chaotic, tripping over each other as they barged into the villa—until they caught sight of us.
Me.
Keifer.
Still flushed, still breathless, still far too close.
"Uh—oops?" Eren stammered, his grin way too wide for my liking.
"Y'all didn't see anything," I said flatly, grabbing the nearest pillow and chucking it at his head.
Mayo snorted. "Oh, we definitely saw something."
"GET OUT!" Keifer's voice cut sharp, protective, and commanding. He stepped forward, shielding me almost instinctively. His amber eyes burned with warning. "This is our villa. Our space. You're not welcome here right now."
Section E froze. For a second, no one moved. Then, one by one, they shuffled backward, muttering excuses and stifling laughter.
"Fine, fine, we'll go," Felix said, raising his hands. "But this isn't over. We're going to talk about this later."
"Later," Keifer snapped.
The door closed behind them with a heavy thud, and silence returned. My cheeks burned, my chest still rising and falling too fast. Keifer turned to me slowly, expression softening instantly.
"You okay?" he asked quietly.
I stared at him for a long moment, then burst into laughter I couldn't hold back. "They're never going to let us live this down."
He smirked faintly, stepping closer, his voice dropping lower. "Let them talk. They don't matter. Only you do."
And just like that, the tension between us snapped back—electric, undeniable.
---
Later that night, the villa glowed in golden candlelight again. Section E was gone, the ocean hummed quietly beyond the terrace, and I finally let myself breathe.
Keifer brushed hair from my face, his fingers lingering just long enough to make my heart stumble. "Where were we… before they ruined it?" he whispered.
I tilted my head, smirking faintly. "I think you were about to kiss me senseless."
"Then I shouldn't leave it unfinished."
His lips crashed into mine, firmer this time, urgent but careful, like he was terrified I'd vanish if he didn't hold me right. I melted into him, arms curling around his neck, fingers tangling in his hair.
The kiss deepened, slow then fast, soft then desperate. Every second burned hotter than the last. My walls, my defenses, everything I'd built crumbled with each brush of his lips.
When we finally broke apart, I was breathless, my forehead resting against his. "Keifer…"
"Say it again," he whispered, voice rough with emotion. "Say you forgive me."
I cupped his face in my hands, letting him see the truth in my eyes. "I forgive you. All of it. And I'm not running anymore."
His chest loosened, relief breaking across his features. He kissed me again, softer this time, like a promise sealed in fire and air.
---
We moved to the bedroom, the night wrapping around us like a secret. The moonlight poured through the windows, painting silver across his skin. He pulled me close, our bodies fitting together like we'd always been meant to.
Every kiss, every touch carried more than desire—it carried forgiveness, trust, and love rebuilt from ruins. His hands held me like I was both fragile and unbreakable. My whispers tangled with his, laughter mixing with sighs, hearts beating far too fast.
I'd sworn to myself that I wouldn't let anyone close enough to hurt me again. But here, on this island, with him—I let go. I let him in.
Because maybe love wasn't about never breaking.
Maybe it was about finding the one person who could piece you back together.
And tonight, Keifer was mine.
---
Much later, tangled in sheets and warmth, I lay against his chest. His fingers traced lazy patterns across my back, his breath steady and calm.
"I love you," he whispered, voice heavy with sleep but full of truth.
"I love you too," I murmured, smiling against his skin.
For the first time in forever, I felt safe. Whole. Wanted.
But just as my eyes fluttered shut, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed outside the villa—growing louder, urgent, impossible to ignore.
The door rattled.
"Jay! Keifer!" Felix's voice rang out, panicked this time, not playful.
Keifer and I shot upright, the fragile peace of the night shattering instantly.
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