Pulse and Petals

Evara

But just when I thought we were about to dive headfirst into some seriously hot action, Nick's voice barged in, ruining the moment.

For a split second, I couldn't decide if his interruption was a blessing or a curse. Part of me was grateful for the sudden break, a lifeline that pulled me back from the brink of something I wasn't sure I was ready for. But another part of me, a reckless part that craved his touch and his warmth, cursed the timing of Nick's intrusion.

Standing there, frozen in place, I couldn't help but wonder what might have happened if Nick hadn't decided to crash our moment. Would I have just gone for it with Alec, consequences be damned? Or would I have snapped out of it, realizing that maybe getting tangled up with someone who saw me as nothing more than a pain in the ass wasn't the best idea?

The elevator dings, pulling me out of my thoughts, and as we step inside, reality crashed back in, reminding me of who he thinks I am—a nuisance, good for nothing. And now, he probably thinks I'm weak, that I need him to swoop in and take care of me.

Damn it, why did I let myself get so close to him? Why did I almost let him kiss me? It's like I'm drawn to him despite knowing how he sees me.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. Maybe it was just the heat of the moment. Maybe if I just pretend it didn't happen, everything will go back to the way it was—back to whatever passes for normal with him.

But what even is normal with him? Everything feels so twisted and confusing. And why didn't I back away when he was inches from sealing his lips with mine? Am I sick for wanting him despite everything?

I shake my head, trying to clear away the tangled mess of thoughts. I'm mad at myself for letting it get this far. Why can't I just ignore him like I should? There's something about him that draws me in, like a moth to a flame.

But this has to stop. I can't keep letting him mess with my head like this.

Everything that went down tonight was just a fluke, nothing more. There's no way there's anything between us, and it's definitely not happening again.

The elevator doors slide shut, my heart sinks. Being alone with him in this confined space is the last thing I want right now.

I glance at him out of the corner of my eye, noticing the way his jaw is clenched, his posture rigid. Alec goes to hit the elevator button for the parking, I shift uncomfortably, suddenly acutely aware of the proximity between us.

Every breath feels too loud in the silence, and I struggle to find something, anything, to shift my attention. I'm all about avoiding eye contact, scanning the elevator walls like they're the most fascinating thing ever.

"HELL NO!" , I blurt out.

Alec chuckles, "That's not how you strangle someone, Princess."

"I'm not trying to strangle you," I say, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Clearly. You're just standing on my foot," Alec replies with a smirk, I can tell. "Wrapped your arms around my neck in a chokehold, almost cutting off my air. Sure, you aren't trying to choke me." His tone is so casual, it's almost infuriatingly charming.

I slowly ease my grip, not wanting to suffocate him, with my face buried in his neck and fingers still fisting his shirt, I confess in a hushed voice, "I hate this."

"Hate me?" Alec questions, his tone laced with curiosity.

"Sometimes. Kinda? Sorta?" I mutter, feeling the blood rushing to my cheeks, my voice barely audible.

"But right now, I hate this elevator," I add, my frustration evident.

"Why's that?" Alec asks gently, his hand coming up to rub soothing circles on my back.