Chapter 32 For one brief moment, the universe stops. Galaxies stop forming, constellations stop spinning, and even the stars themselves stop burning. For one brief moment, it's just him and me and the gentle warmth growing between us-the kind that could light up even the darkness that's been living inside of me for so long. And then Sly's arm slides around me and everything starts turning again. Our kiss is featherlight at first. So soft it feels like a wish. Like a plea. Like a moment where he's not him and I'm not me and the world isn't all the terrible things I know it to be. And then even that slips away and all that's left is this one perfect moment in a sky-an infinity-of imperfections. The slide of his lips against mine. The brush of his fingers through my hair. The press of his hand against my back as our breaths stutter, flutter, then sync like we were always meant to be here. And when his other hand comes up to cradle my cheek, something deep inside me splinters. Not in a way that hurts, but in a way that finally-finally-lets in the light. His fingers skate across the line of my jaw like he's afraid I'll vanish if he presses too hard, and with every stroke I feel myself unraveling a little more. His mouth moves against mine, tentative at first, then deeper and slower, like he wants to memorize me. Or maybe I'm the one memorizing him. The sweet taste of mandarin sugar on his tongue. The rich smell of sandalwood on his skin. The all-encompassing heat of him enveloping me. He's the first person I've let touch me like this in so long I'd almost forgotten what it feels like. Not just the kiss but everything that comes with it-the trust, the vulnerability, the terrifying hope that maybe, just maybe, I'm not as broken as I thought. I don't want it to stop. I don't want Sly to stop. How could I when this big, strong, powerful man is holding me like I'm the most precious thing he's ever touched? He doesn't rush, doesn't push, doesn't demand. Instead, he leans into me with a quiet reverence-not like I'm something to worship but like I'm something to wait for. And somehow, it's that gentle patience that undoes me more than anything else ever has. My fingers slide up his back to tug at his hair, and I angle my body closer, chasing the warmth of him, the calm steadiness in his kiss. He pulls me more tightly against him, tugging me into his chest until there's nothing between us but heat and stars and a whole host of things I've never dared to want. I sigh against his lips, and his hand slides down over the slope of my waist to rest just above my hip. The weight of it there makes me shiver. I'm not cold, but it feels good to have him there. Like he's holding me together and if he lets go now, all the broken pieces might scatter. But he doesn't let go. He holds on, even as he lets me lead. And with each second that passes, the heat inside me burns brighter. Cuts sharper. I press against him, hands tugging at his hair, teeth nipping at his mouth, body straining to get closer, closer, closer. It's only when I whimper low in my throat-a sound so soft it gets lost in the crash of the cosmos around us-that he pulls away. "No!" I clutch at him, half afraid that if I let him go I'll never feel like this again. His touch turns from scorching to soothing in a second, his fingers dancing up and down my spine even as his other hand rubs gentle circles on my hip. "I've got you," he whispers, his breath a gentle benediction on my skin. I nod and take a series of deep, trembling breaths. And as I finally come back to myself, I remember where we are and why one kiss is all we can share. "You okay?" he asks, forehead pressed to mine as the movie crescendos around us. "Yes. No." The words come out quiet and bewildered. "I don't know." "That's okay." He grounds me with his voice and the gentle stroke of his thumb against the back of my neck. "We'll figure it out." He sits back as the lights come up around us, and I look at him, this man who holds only tenderness in hands big enough to destroy. Who brings me stars and sweetness and space to be. Who tells me everything is going to be okay. For the first time in a very long time, I want to believe he's right. In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. This modern romance novel delves into themes of hidden identities, unexpected love, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship shrouded in secrecy. With its blend of sweet romance and suspenseful twists, "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" stands out for its exploration of hidden feelings and the consequences of revealing long-held secrets. For readers seeking a captivating tale that combines elements of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth, this ongoing story is available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in the world of Jane and Hector as their journey unfolds against the backdrop of hidden truths and heartfelt revelations.