The Rose He Killed novel Chapter 76

Chapter 69: Kissing him-1

Bella pov

“I’m not asking you to do anything,” Caleb said, his eyes searching mine. “I’m just telling you the truth. What you do with it is up to you.”

The elevator jolted again, ‘smaller this time, and I grabbed his arms instinctively. His hands came to my waist, steadying me, and suddenly we were pressed together in the small space.

“Caleb.” His name came out breathless.

“I know.” His voice was rough. “I know you don’t feel the same, I know you probably never will, but Bella, I need you to know that if you ever want to let those walls down, I’ll be here to catch you.”

I looked up at him, this man who’d destroyed me and was now claiming to love me, and I saw the truth in his eyes. He meant it, every word.

The realization terrified me.

“I can’t trust this,” I whispered. “I can’t trust you.”

“I know.” His thumbs brushed against my waist through my suit jacket, barely a touch but it burned. “And I don’t blame you, but I’m going to keep proving it anyway. Every day, for as long as it takes.”

We stood there, bodies pressed together in the small space, breathing the same air, and I felt my carefully constructed walls starting to crack.

“Don’t hurt me again,” I said finally, the words barely audible. “I won’t survive it.”

“Never.” The word was a vow. “Never again, Bella, I swear.”

His hand lifted to cup my face, thumb brushing my cheekbone, and I knew I should pull away, maintain distance, should protect myself.

But I didn’t.

should

Instead, I leaned into his touch, just slightly, just enough to show I was listening even if I couldn’t believe

yet.

The elevator jolted again, harder this time, and before I could process what was happening, it dropped several feet and I fell forward. Caleb caught me, his arms wrapping tight around me as my hands grabbed his shirt, and then we were pressed together completely, my chest against his, our faces inches apart.

“Are you okay?” His breath was warm against my lips.

“I think so.” But I didn’t let go.

“Bella.” His voice was strained. “If you don’t want me to kiss you, you need to step back right now.”

I knew I should step back, knew this was dangerous, knew letting him kiss me would complicate everything impossibly.

But his hands were on my waist, his body was warm and solid against mine, and I could feel his heart

Chap 89 sing him

Facing as fast as my own.

+25 Points

“Bella.” His hands gripped my waist tighter, fingers digging into the fabric of my suit. “Tell me to stop.”

I couldn’t speak, couldn’t think, could barely breathe. His mouth lowered to mine, hovering there for an endless moment, giving me time to push him away, to say no, to save myself.

His mouth was hot, demanding, and I felt the sweep of his tongue trace the seam of my lips a gentle stroke that was completely at odds with the desperation in his grip. He was asking. Seeking. The realization made my traitorous heart stutter.

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