Chapter 213: Heart Attack (1)
Ella’s POV
I shut the bathroom door the moment I stepped inside, leaning against it as my heart thumped like crazy. Why on earth was he half-naked in my room?
Oh, right... because I still had his clothes.
Before I could gather my thoughts, there was a gentle knock.
"Ella? You didn’t give me the clothes," Liam’s voice came through, low and calm, while I am panicking here.
I sucked in a deep breath, trying to steady myself. Pull it together, Ella. He’s just a man... a very shirtless, towel-wrapped, dangerously attractive man. Nothing to panic about.
I opened the door slowly, extending the clothes toward him with trembling hands.
But before I could even blink, Liam caught my wrist and tugged me forward—straight into his arms.
"L-Liam!" I gasped, staring up at him in shock.
His smile was lazy, but his eyes burned with something that made my knees weak. "Are you doing this on purpose? Because whatever it is... It’s working."
My brows knitted. "Doing what on purpose?"
"That," he said, leaning closer, his breath brushing my skin. "That innocent look of yours. The way you don’t even realize how much you’re affecting me. Ella... It’s stealing the air right out of my lungs. Taking my goddamn breath away."
My mouth parted, confused and a little breathless myself. "T-Taking your breath away?"
He smirked, tilting his head. "Yeah. You mean you didn’t know?"
I shook my head quickly, fumbling over my words. "No... I mean, yes... I mean—I don’t know."
Before I could make sense of my own answer, his lips were suddenly on mine. My eyes flew wide, my body freezing in place as the world spun around me. I didn’t push him away—I couldn’t. I was too shocked, too caught in the dizzying warmth of his kiss to even move.
It ended far too soon. He pulled back just enough to meet my eyes, his lips curving into a grin. "Did it take your breath away? Because that’s exactly what I meant."
I blinked at him, still reeling. "O-Oh. I see... I get it now."
He chuckled softly, clearly amused by my dazed state. My heart stumbled all over again when his thumb brushed across my lips, slow and teasing. His gaze lingered there, dark and intense, before finally lifting to mine.
"Your lips," he whispered, voice husky. "They’re soft... sweet. They make me want to kiss you again. Can I?"
I think I stopped breathing at this point. The room felt smaller, warmer, as his eyes locked with mine, waiting—patient but burning for my answer.
"I-I... guess you can?"
The words tumbled out of my mouth before I could stop them.
Why the heck am I asking him permission like that?!
I scrambled to fix it, my face burning. "I mean... We’re dating now, right? So... I guess that makes it okay..."
But my voice was trembling, and it wasn’t just nerves—it was everything. The way his arms still lingered around me. The way his bare chest was right there, just inches from my touch. The fact that he was standing in my room with nothing but a towel wrapped low on his hips.
Oh God. My brain was spiraling, painting images I shouldn’t even be imagining. Heat crept down my neck, pooling in places I didn’t want to admit. Dirty thoughts. Wicked thoughts. And all of them starring Liam.
My hands fidgeted against his chest, but instead of pushing him away, I just froze, caught between panic and longing. My whole body trembled, not because I feared him kissing me—but because I knew exactly what could happen after.
Liam’s low chuckle rumbled against my skin, and I nearly melted on the spot. "You’re too cute when you answer like that," he teased, his eyes dancing with amusement.
Before I could even think of a comeback, his hand cupped the side of my face and his lips captured mine—this time, not a fleeting brush, but a deep, consuming kiss.
My chest tightened. My knees went weak. I clutched at his shoulders instinctively, afraid I might just collapse from how dizzying it felt. His mouth moved against mine, warm, firm, yet achingly tender, like he was pouring every unspoken word into that kiss.
The world outside my room ceased to exist. There was only the steady thud of my heartbeat, his chest pressed against mine, and the intoxicating taste of him stealing every bit of reason I had left.
When he finally pulled back, just enough for me to see the glint in his eyes, my heart was already tumbling helplessly down a path I knew I couldn’t escape.
"You feel it too, don’t you?" he whispered, his forehead leaning gently against mine.
"F-Feel what exactly?" I asked, and my voice came out faint. My brain was too scrambled to grasp what he meant.
Then Liam gently took my hand and pressed it against his chest, right over his heart.
My lungs stalled for a moment. His heartbeat thundered beneath my palm, fast and strong... just like mine.
"My heart is aching for you, Ella," he said, his voice low, raw, and I felt how genuine it was. "I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you. It’s crazy, but I can’t stop myself. I think I’m falling in love with you... and it’s happening so fast, I don’t even understand myself anymore."
I froze, every word sinking deep into me like sparks lighting up my whole body.
"When I’m not with you, all I do is think about you. And when I am with you, all I think about is our future," he continued, his gaze locking onto mine, so intense it felt like he could see straight through my soul. "I need you to know this... I’m not here just to get to know you casually. I’m dating you because I want us to last... forever. Do you understand what I mean?"
His words crashed into me like a wave, leaving me breathless. My heart wasn’t just racing anymore—it was soaring, trembling, aching, and hoping all at once.
I think I might get a heart attack soon!
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Author’s Note: 10/1/2025
I am giving away 10 FPs (FastPass) to 10 readers. First-come, first-served. Either join my Discord server (https://discord.gg/uPTNJEtPqD), DM me on FB or IG to get the redeem code. Please note that on IG or FB, your message might be sent to the spam/request folder, so if I don’t reply within the day, please comment in any of my posts to get my attention so I can DM you with the redeem code. Don’t be shy, this is free, and it will go to waste if you do not claim it this month.
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Thank you for the Golden Ticket!
Janet_Riley