CHAPTER SIX

Then, without another word, he captured her lips again, his body pressing her deeper into the couch, the world outside fading away.

Lessie's body trembled beneath Kyle's, her mind struggling to catch up with the whirlwind of emotions flooding through her. The taste of him, the heat of his body, the way he touched her—like he was afraid she'd disappear—was intoxicating.

But a voice in the back of her mind screamed at her to stop.

She turned her head, breaking the kiss, her breath ragged. "Kyle, wait—"

His lips lingered near her jaw, his grip on her waist firm but not forceful. "What is it?" he asked, his voice husky, his breath warm against her skin.

Lessie pressed her palms against his chest, her heart hammering. "This… this is moving too fast. I need to think."

Kyle exhaled sharply and pulled back just enough to meet her gaze. His dark eyes searched hers, clouded with frustration and something deeper—something vulnerable. "I don't want to push you, Lessie. But you have to understand—I'm done hiding how I feel about you. I meant every word I said tonight."

She bit her lip, guilt swirling in her chest. "I know, Kyle. But everything is happening so suddenly. Your mother—"

"Forget my mother." His jaw tightened, his voice laced with defiance. "This isn't about her. It's about us. You and me."

Lessie swallowed hard. "That's the problem. There is no just you and me, Kyle. Your world is too big, too complicated. And I—"

He silenced her with a look, his fingers brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "You're scared," he murmured, his voice softer now, almost pleading. "I get it. But I need you to trust me, Lessie."

Her chest ached. She wanted to believe him so badly. But reality was cruel, and love alone had never been enough to protect anyone.

The shrill ring of Kyle's phone shattered the moment.

He cursed under his breath and pulled it from his pocket. His gaze flickered between the screen and Lessie before he sighed. "It's my brother." Then, reluctantly, he picked up.

Kyle pressed the phone to his ear, still holding Lessie's gaze. "What is it, Lucas?"

"It's surprising how calm you sound right now." The background noise on the other end was chaotic—muffled voices, the hum of movement.

Kyle pushed himself up, his muscles tense, but he didn't break eye contact with Lessie.

"Yeah, it's crazy," he muttered. "I don't know what I was thinking, but I had to do it."

Lucas let out a dry laugh. "And was it worth it? Having our name, our reputation dragged through the mud?"

Kyle's fingers curled into a fist, his jaw clenching. His voice was raw when he snapped, "And does anyone care how I feel?"

A heavy silence stretched between them before Lucas exhaled a slow, measured breath. "I care about you, okay? That's why I'm calling. You know what Mom is capable of. Not to you—but to her. You don't want to lose her, do you?"

Kyle's chest tightened. The weight of his brother's words sank deep, and for the first time that night, doubt clawed at him. He hated himself for being so selfish, for dragging Lessie into this world when she deserved better. But just looking at her, at the way her eyes softened with concern, made him want to risk everything.

"What do you want me to do, Lucas?" he asked quietly. "I can't just walk away. I can't—" He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling shakily.

Lessie moved closer, her presence grounding him. This was hurting both of them. They wanted each other, needed each other—like they couldn't breathe without one another.

Kyle pulled her into his chest, his arms tightening around her as if she might slip away. "I won't lose you," he whispered, his voice almost desperate. "I can't."

Lucas hadn't spoken, so Kyle did. His voice was raw, unguarded. "Brother… I love her. I wish you could understand how much my heart burns for her."

Lucas chuckled, a quiet, knowing sound. "I know, Kyle. You'll be fine. I'll talk to Mom—see what can be done."

Kyle held Lessie close, his heartbeat pounding against her cheek. He wished he could freeze this moment—keep her in his arms and shut out the world. But reality was creeping back in, pressing against the edges of their fragile haven.

Lessie exhaled shakily, her fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt. "What happens now?" she whispered.

Kyle's jaw clenched. "I don't know," he admitted. "But I won't let them take you away from me."

Lessie lifted her head, searching his face. "Kyle… I don't want you to lose everything because of me."

His eyes darkened. "You're not just 'something,' Lessie. You're everything."

Her breath hitched, and for a second, she allowed herself to believe him. Allowed herself to want him, consequences be damned.

But then Kyle's phone buzzed again, breaking the fragile silence.

He pulled it out, his expression turning grim. "It's my mother."

Lessie tensed. "Are you going to answer?"

Kyle hesitated before pressing the decline button. "Not tonight."

Lessie stared at him, her heart aching. "She won't stop, Kyle."

"I know," he murmured, his fingers tightening around hers. "And I won't stop loving you either."

She inhaled sharply, caught off guard by the quiet intensity in his voice. Was he ever going to back down?

Before she could find the words, Kyle gently tugged her hand. "Come on," he said, a small smile playing on his lips. "Let's get some air."

He led her out of the mansion, down the stone pathway toward the pool. The night sky stretched above them, the moon casting silver reflections over the still water. The tension of the evening lingered, but out here, away from the weight of expectations and family interference, it felt easier to breathe.

Kyle glanced at her, his thumb brushing absently over the back of her hand. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

Lessie swallowed, watching the way the water shimmered under the soft glow of the lights. "Yeah," she whispered. But her gaze wasn't on the pool. It was on him.

And in that moment, she knew—she was falling for him, hard, whether she wanted to or not.....

Kyle turned to face her fully, his fingers still intertwined with hers. The way she looked at him—like she was trying to convince herself this wasn't real—only made him want to prove that it was.

Without another word, he stepped closer, closing the small space between them. The tension crackled like electricity in the air. Lessie's heart pounded as Kyle lifted a hand, his knuckles grazing her cheek.

"You're staring," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the gentle rustling of the breeze.

Kyle smirked. "Can you blame me?" His voice was low, intoxicating, sending a shiver down her spine.

"Come on," he whispered.

They stepped into the water, the cold making Lessie chuckle. "You love it?" he asked.

She nodded, but it wasn't the water that made her shiver—it was Kyle's touch,

Kyle's fingers traced a slow, teasing path down her arm, the water lapping softly around them. The air between them crackled, charged with an unspoken need. Lessie's breath hitched as he pulled her closer, their bodies barely separated by the cool water.

"You're shivering," Kyle murmured, his voice husky.

She wasn't sure if it was from the water or the way his eyes darkened with desire. Probably both.

"I'm fine," she whispered, but her voice betrayed her.

Kyle smirked, his thumb grazing her lower lip. "Liar."

Before she could respond, his lips crashed onto hers. The kiss was deep, urgent—like he was drowning and she was his only salvation. Lessie melted against him, her fingers gripping his wet shirt as he pulled her flush against his chest.

The water rippled around them, their bodies pressed together, heat battling the coolness of the pool. Kyle's hands roamed her back, his touch possessive yet reverent....