Chapter 23
Chapter Twenty-Three
Wren
There are good and bad things about my new room. The good things: One, it’s always cold. Two, I’m safe. Three, the blankets are comfortable, and the bed is cozy.
Although, I’m starting to think the bad outweighs the good because of one thing.
The sun.
It’s like it’s using my face for target practice, and it lands a bullseye every morning. I haven’t had the time to buy black-out curtains, so I’m up with the sun at the ass crack of dawn.
I grab my phone and groan when I see it’s only 9:00 a.m.
“Why?” I whine while flipping onto my side.
I was never a morning person, and people who are make me question their sanity. For example, Mom thrived when the sun rose, but if you had the audacity to still be asleep when she was awake, you were the asshole.
Apparently, cleaning can be loud, and she made it her mission to tidy up while making as much noise as possible. To this day, I still wonder how she made dusting so rampageous. Not wanting to take a trip down memory lane, I direct my attention to taking a shower.
With a pair of navy lounge pants and a white tee, I opt out of a bra since Theo will be indisposed for the majority of the day anyway. The tiles are cold when I step over the threshold, and I shiver slightly. Turning the nozzle, I set the water’s temperature to a comfortable heat and take my clothes off. Most of my time in the shower involves thinking, and as I wash my hair, one thought runs on a loop through my mind.
It’s been a little over a week since I moved in, and within that short amount of time, Theo and I managed to flip the switch in our friendship. We’ve shared many things over the years, memories, laughter, and tears, but we never crossed the romantic boundary until yesterday. It shouldn’t feel this normal. Kissing him was like second nature, and a weight settled in my belly because I feared I was the only one who felt it.
Then, the logical part of my brain kicks in, and I remember that he kissed me first. He was the one who laid himself on top of me and caved. I held strong for years, never believing we could be more because I’m me, and he’s him. Yet, here we are, and I allow myself to be giddy until I remember the woman stealing it from me.
Amanda came back, and she wants to record with Theo. Why would he decline? What was their argument about? And why did he look so upset after their conversation?
With my head in the clouds, I finish cleaning myself and brushing my teeth. Turning the water off, I step out and work on drying my body with a large towel. The scent of laundry detergent envelops me, eliciting a sense of home. Growing up, I always felt the need to be home, but the home I lived in wasn’t mine. It’s a confusing concept, but I’m starting to understand now because I feel at home with Theo. He is and will always be my rock, stability, my home .
A series of taps sounds from the front door, and I furrow my brow. I drop my brush, and scramble to the front door. I trip over my own two feet when I pass Theo’s room, but thankfully, I don’t fall flat on my face.
Slowing my pace, I gather my breath and open the front door. “What the?—?”
Someone left a couple large boxes outside in the hall. I didn’t order anything, and if Theo did, the contents are probably expensive. It’ll most likely be safe to leave it outside, but I don’t know. . .
“Okay, how am I going to do this?” I walk around the first box, eyeing it up with a tilt of my head.
With a few steps back, I stretch my arms, and with a determined exhale, I go for it. I bend my knees and wrap my fingers around the edges while mentally preparing myself.
“On the count of three. One, two, three—” As I heave upward, the box remains rooted to the ground, refusing to budge. “Shit.”
I glance back into the penthouse and contemplate letting Theo know, but if I do that, it’s possible he’s already—well, I can’t do that.
I could always push the box. Yeah, that could work. Maybe if I had a running start?—
“Ms. Wren?”
With a jump, my hand flies to my chest at the voice. “Robbie, you scared me,” I laugh.
“My apologies,” he chuckles while approaching me. “What are you doing?”
He must be headed to the gym. The sleeveless shirt is a dead giveaway.
“Trying not to pull a muscle,” I say with a smile.
“Where’s Theo?” he asks with an arched brow.
“Uhh—”
He raises his hands and says, “Say no more. I would be honored to assist.”
Does he know what Theo does? There’s a chance. They seem to be decent friends.
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
Not needing my help, he deadlifts the first box and places it in the living room. He makes it look like the boxes are weightless, and I purse my lips when he places the final one down without a sweat.
“There you go, my lady.” He brushes his hands off and beams that flawless smile toward me.
“I really can’t thank you enough. You’re a lifesaver.”
“Any time. How are you, by the way? The last I saw you, you were running as if you saw a fire.”
My lips quirk as I let out an airy laugh. “Yeah, sorry about that. I, um, well. That day?—”
“Something happened between you and Theo.”
My eyes widen as I nod. “How did you know?”
His arms flex as he reaches behind his head to massage his neck. “Theo mentioned waking up and getting a little handsy.”
“He told you?” I squeak.
“Yes, but only because he wasn’t sure what to do. He’s had a crush on you for years. His feelings are?—”
“What?” I gasp as my heart falls into my stomach.
He drops his arms, and his amber eyes grow. “Fuck, I didn’t mean to say that.”
“Holy shit.”
The words hang in the air, floating around me.
Theo has had a crush on me... Feelings even. But for how long?
It hits me like a lightning bolt, the memories of him holding me during our darkest nights, his touch lingering just a little longer than I realized. All the nights he sat by my side in silence, his gaze soft, focused only on me... How did I miss it?
I’d always pushed the warmth away, convinced myself it was nothing. Now, that same warmth wraps around me and swells in my chest, and suddenly, I can’t imagine a world without him.
“He has feelings for me?”
“Is it not obvious?”
I let out a chuckle while tangling my hands in my hair. “I had no idea. Do you know for how long?”
“It’s not my place to say, but you two have much to discuss.”
“He kissed me,” I blurt out.
He smirks. “It was bound to happen. I’m surprised it hasn’t before.”
“Why’s that?” I dare to ask.
“Are you kidding? You’re stunning,” he states as if it’s a fact.
“I’m not.” I try to brush him off, but he doesn’t let me.
“Wren, your beauty is indescribable. I was speechless when I saw you the other day. I’ve seen pictures, but they don’t do you justice.”
My heart soars at the compliment, but my elation fades when I remember a certain blonde. “But. . .”
“But what?”
“How much do you know about Theo?”
“Everything.”
Finally, I have someone to talk to. “Amanda.”
“Fucking hell, she’s back?” he asks with a disgruntled sigh.
“She wants to record with him again?—”
“He can’t do that,” he says, and I nod.
“I agree.”
“You have to do everything you can to protect him from her. She’s a snake and will do whatever she can to weasel her way back into his life.”
“I promise,” I say with a firm nod. “I’ll protect him.”
Romantic feelings or not, Theo and I have always been there for one another. I have his back as he has mine. Amanda intimidates me, but she’s nothing but a mean girl. If she comes for Theo, I’ll defend him until I can’t. I’ll keep him safe; I owe it to him.
Robbie places his hand on my shoulder and squeezes it. “Promise me one more thing?”
I nod without hesitation.
“Trust your gut.”
I wrap my arms around his neck and give him a firm hug. “Thank you, Robbie. For everything.”
With a sweet smile, he leaves, and I’m left swimming in the depths of my mind.
“I don’t need therapy! I need a loaded baked potato.”
I giggle on the living room couch, watching my favorite show while shoving a handful of chips in my mouth.
Heavy box one, Wren zero.
The credits roll, and I lick the salt off my fingers before my eyes wander to Theo’s bedroom door. It’s almost evening, and he said he would join for dinner. Is he still going at it? The image of him stroking his cock, throwing his head back as his mouth slightly parts, makes my core tighten.
I clear my throat, swing my feet off the cushions, and shift my eyes to the floor, but it doesn’t work to clear my mind.
“You’re stunning.”
The memory of his hands exploring my curves as we danced in the kitchen. How his eyes sparkled when he stared down at me, and how I desperately want to kiss him again.
“Speak to me.”
I stand up, and my legs bring me to his door on their own accord.
“I’m going to fuck you until all you can say is my name.”
My hand rests on the white wood, and I press my ear against it.
“One more time.”
Without another breath, I drop my hand and slowly turn the knob, surprised when it pushes open. Peeking into his room, I stop myself.
What am I doing? This is a boundary I cannot cross. I’m not a Peeping Tom, for fuck’s sake! So, why is my body acting on impulse? Why am I opening it farther, and looking in while holding my breath?
Because he’s created a monster.
A shaky exhale leaves my lips, and the band in my stomach pulls tighter, begging for release.
Theo is many things, but right now, he’s a god. I lock in on his profile. How his jaw drops slightly, and how his eyes close while he grunts. I take one step toward him, then another, but each one feels like stepping over a cliff’s edge. My heart races, a war between wanting him more than air and fearing this is all too fast. I wonder if he feels it too—the weight of wanting more—before his gaze locks with mine, and any hesitation crumbles, replaced by the dizzying urge to close the gap between us.
His dark hair is messy, and his mouth drops open before he moans, “Fuck, baby girl, like that, just like that.”
I should close the door, back away, and pretend this didn’t happen. I’ll go to my room, satisfy my growing desire by myself, and move on, but I don’t.
Instead, I maintain our eye contact, and close the door with a soft click. His sly smirk morphs into one pure confidence. My chest rises and falls as I work on summoning my courage. I ignore the questions that fire through my mind, and I simply approach him.
Theo doesn’t stop working his erection. He presses his tongue into his cheek while his irises darken in temptation.
I search those eyes while he grunts in pleasure, making my clit swell in response.
“One more time.”
I lean in, my lips ghosting over his, barely touching, until his shallow breath fans across my mouth. A low groan slips from him as I let the heat of my lips hover, teasing, just out of reach. My pulse races with each aching second, every fiber of me straining to press in, to feel him completely.
His biceps twitch as he tries to keep his other hand to himself. We share the same air, his desire becoming mine, and with a smirk, I place my hand over his stomach and drop to my knees.
I haven’t done this in a while, but I know how to make a man crumble beneath my touch. I press my lips to his heated skin, and his saltiness hits my tongue, igniting every nerve ending. I pause, savoring him, letting my lips linger before pressing a firmer, slower kiss, tasting him like a forbidden indulgence.
He lets out a ragged breath, and his hips twitch, a silent plea for more, and it thrills me, the control as much of a temptation as his body. He drops his hand, and I continue running my lips along his length.
“Fuck me,” he growls.
I hum in approval as I run my tongue along the base of his cock, pleased when it hardens even more. I form a tight O with my lips around the tip of his length, sucking while licking. He tastes divine, and I’m far too eager to have more.
Without thinking, I drop my hand into my underwear. I run two fingers around my clit and down my folds before traveling back up to rub myself, moaning softly. This is pure ecstasy; nothing can describe how good this feels.
Theo’s breathing quickens while I slide my mouth farther down his shaft, and he loses the fight to keep his hands to himself. He twists his fingers in my hair, tightening with a possessive pull that sends a delicious shiver down my spine. With each bob of my head, his grip tugs just enough to make me gasp, and his other hand trembles as he tries to resist the urge to guide my movements, to take him deeper.
The raw need in his eyes, the way his breath hitches with every brush of my tongue, is electrifying. Each pull only stokes the fire inside me, pushing me to make him come undone.
His voice drops, rough and laced with barely controlled need. “Look at you,” he murmurs, his voice a reverent, dark whisper. “You look so perfect on your knees for me, taking me like this.” He pauses, his grip tightening in my hair as I take him deeper. “God, Wren. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of watching you like this—mine.”
I could pull back and respond, but why would I do that when I can do this instead?
Reaching up, I squeeze his ass and press the rest of his length down my throat. I slide him deeper, letting him fill my mouth as his fingers tighten in my hair, his control slipping with each groan that escapes his lips. He’s hot and pulsing against my tongue, each moan from him like gasoline to my fire.
He shudders, muttering, “Fuck, Wren . . . you’re unreal.”
He drops his head back, lost in sensation. Every deep stroke draws another sound from him, each one sparking a thrill that curls low in my belly, urging me to make him shatter.
“You like that, don’t you?” he rasps as he looks down at me again. “Do you know how long I’ve pictured you on your knees?” he asks while using my hair to control my speed. “You like sucking me off?”
I take in a sharp inhale through my nose before offering him a gentle nod.
“Prove it. Show me how wet you are,” he commands, his eyes hungry, watching me as if I’m a dream.
I slide my fingers over my skin again, teasing myself slowly. My fingers dip lower, sliding through my folds as I let out a soft moan, never breaking eye contact. His jaw tightens, and he shifts as if fighting to stay in control. But this moment is mine—I’m making him wait, drawing out his need as I circle my clit, my own body straining, aching for release but holding off, teasing him with every breathy sigh.
I draw in jagged breaths through my nose as I work my head back and forth, increasing my speed and enjoying how hard he is against my tongue. I glide my finger back down to my entrance, and as I look back up, I lift my hand, my fingers glistening in the low light, and he smirks.
“That’s my girl. Now, fuck me so I can come down that gorgeous throat.”
I take him fully, and his body tenses, each pulse of his cock sending a thrill through me. He digs his fingers into my scalp, his hold almost desperate, urging me faster, harder. His breathing is ragged, broken, and the sound is everything. His restraint splinters as he bucks into me, his climax hitting in shuddering waves. His taste floods my senses, hot and heady, and I moan softly around him, addicted to the power of this moment as he gasps my name, his release searing into my memory.
Keeping my eyes on him, I bob my head back and forth. My eyes begin to water, and his smile widens devilishly.
“You’re so hot. Shit , baby, just like that. Fucking hell, Wren.”
A moan vibrates in my chest, and just as I’m about to pull back to play with his tip, he holds my head in place and shudders as the last of his cum spills on my tongue. My clit swells, and his moans and muffled curses are music to my ears. I can’t help but smile as he melts and pants for air.
“Holy shit,” he whispers while releasing his grasp on my curls.
Pulling back, I’m about to swallow, but he takes my face in his hand and stops me. “Show me,” he orders.
Opening my mouth, I stick my tongue out so he can see his cum, and he growls in approval. “Now, swallow.”
I gulp while he smiles down at me. His cum is warm, and it coats my throat. He’s all I can taste, and it’s utter bliss.
Theo offers me his hand, and when I take it, he helps me up, pulls me against his chest, and kisses me like his life depends on it. I savor his touch and work on remembering how his muscles move against my palms. The room starts to spin as my lips tingle and heat pools into my core. I’ve never been so turned on in my life, and it’s all-consuming.
I gasp when he retreats. The resolution I made is thrown out the window because one more kiss will never be enough. I need him more than I can describe, but that want is dangerous.
Theo is the only one who’s ever felt like this kind of safety and heat all at once. The thought of that—all that he could mean—makes my chest ache in a way that’s equal parts thrilling and terrifying. I’m desperate to let go, to fall into of him, yet something holds me back—a familiar voice in my mind whispering to stay safe, to not risk the vulnerability.
“Now.” He pulls my hair in a pleasurable way, urging me to look into his eyes. “Get on the bed and keep those stunning eyes on me.”
I take a step back as nerves awaken in me. My lungs can’t get enough air, no matter how many deep inhales I struggle to take.
Theo keeps his eyes on me; they’re dark with passion. The backs of my legs hit his mattress, and he closes in on me.
What did I get myself into?
We can’t do this.
It doesn’t matter that my clit is begging me to part my legs and let him have his way. The growing anxiety and fear are louder than my need. My eyes flicker around the room, attempting to come up with an escape plan, and when they land on the camera, I nearly faint in relief.
“The camera.” I nod toward it. “Can you turn it off?”
“Oh, sorry, I forgot it was there. Give me one second.” He turns around, and I make a break for it.
I fling open his door and close it before running to my room. Behind me, his door clicks open, but I don’t give him the chance to sweet-talk me.
I slip into my room and lock the door with shaking hands. Pressing my back to the cool wood, I try to steady my breaths, but the air is thick, heavy with his scent. Every inch of me is buzzing, flushed with leftover warmth. I press my palms to my cheeks, still noting the heat from his lingering touch, as if it’s embedded under my skin.
The low hum of the air conditioning fills the silence, a hollow reminder that I’m alone again. But even here, in the quiet, I can’t escape him—the weight of his gaze, the press of his hands, the whisper of his voice still echoing in my mind.
“Wren.” Theo taps against the wood. His tone drops an octave. “Open the door.”
“I can’t do that,” I pant.
“I need you to open the door.”
“Why?” I ask while closing my eyes in an attempt to cool the heat coursing through me.
“You got to taste me. It’s only fair I get to taste you.”
My knees wobble, and a low whimper crawls up my throat.
“Wren, open the door. I won’t bite. . . Unless you want me to.”
“I want to, but I can’t,” I sigh while my head bangs against the wooden panels.
My heart slams against my ribs as I press my back to the door, feeling like it’s the only thing holding me together.
What am I doing? One day we’re just Theo and Wren, friends forever, and now... this. The look in his eyes, the way he whispered my name—it’s like I’ve invited something in, a fire I can’t put out. It’s overwhelming, my body aching for him even as every logical part of me screams to slow down, to breathe.
I press my fingers to my lips, still tingling from his touch. I shouldn’t have done that... But I’m already craving more. Who goes from kissing to giving someone a blow job the following day? What is wrong with me?
“Open the door.” His tone softens, as if he’s come to realize what my mind is doing to me, and it wraps me in a warm blanket. “We can talk, just open the door.”
As much as I want to, I can’t.
I’m too much of a coward.