Unwrapping Ember

8. Restrained in Ribbon

eight

Restrained in Ribbon

Koda

M otherfucker. That’s all I can muster right now. I suspected Ember was hiding something, but this revelation is far more than I anticipated. Now, after what we've shared, guilt gnaws at me, and I can't quite pinpoint why, even though deep down I have an assumption.

As she naps peacefully in my bed, I find myself in the game room, consumed by thoughts of how to track down that bastard and make him pay for hurting her. With Christmas fast approaching, I know she’ll be heading back to college soon, and he’ll be waiting there. Is it too controlling of me to suggest she not return? Yes, undoubtedly. But I feel compelled to fucking do something.

Snowflakes begin to cascade from the sky again, and I down another shot of Baine's whipped vodka, craving some sort of buzz to cope with the weight of Ember’s revelation. It’s not strong enough, but I’m too damn lazy to retrieve something more potent. Lost in my thoughts—and drowning my guilt in alcohol—I realize I need to open up to the guys and ask their advice.

But what if Ember doesn’t want them to know? Damn. I shake my head and take another shot, feeling the creamy liquor slide down my throat.

My mind drifts to the secret I've kept, and I wonder if I should confide in her since she trusted me with hers. But what if she can't handle it? What if she doubts me? I have evidence to validate my truth, but the damage has long since been done. I’ve been bearing this burden for thirteen years, a weight for which I already paid the price. The guys are aware of what happened—of course, they fucking are.

Taking a deep breath, I finally decide to speak to Ember about it. I can’t continue carrying this weight; she deserves to know the truth. As I return to the bedroom, I notice her stirring awake and take a seat beside her on the bed.

“Hey, beautiful.”

“Hi. Shit, how long was I out?” She stretches, and I can’t help but smile as I thumb her bottom lip, imagining it wrapped around my cock once more.

“A couple of hours. It’s snowing again.”

“That’s not surprising. What’s the matter?” She senses the turmoil brewing within me; she knows me well enough not to be fooled.

I take her hand in mine, locking eyes with her, fully aware that this conversation will change everything between us.

“Ember, there’s something I need to tell you.” My voice trembles with emotion, but I force myself to man the fuck up.

She looks at me, a blend of concern and curiosity reflected in her eyes. “Talk to me, Koda. You know I’m here for you.”

“I know, Ember, but it’s not easy. It’s been eating away at me,” I confess, holding her gaze. “I need you to understand that I trust you, and I hope you can trust me too.” I mentally prepare to unveil the truth I’ve guarded for so long, but then the sound of Baine and Everest entering the house halts me. Before I can utter a word, Ev strides into the room holding a bottle of Jagermeister. Thank fucking god.

“What are you lovebirds up to?”

Ember sits up, noticing my hesitation. “Uh, just talking. ”

They catch the look of uncertainty on both our faces but press on, likely sensing the gravity of our conversation.

“Talking can wait. It’s time for some naughty truth or dare.”

Ember blushes, a smile breaking through that charms my heart. I want to see her happy; I won’t burden her with my confession just yet.

“Oh, well, Koda was about to—”

I cut her off, choosing to sidestep my dilemma for now. “It’s fine, Em. Let’s play and have some fun. We’ll continue this later.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.” I lean in and kiss her softly before standing, seizing the J?ger from Everest’s hands.

He follows me into the kitchen, undoubtedly ready to bombard me with questions. As soon as I flick on the light, he starts. “What was that about?”

“What the hell do you think?”

“You’re telling her?” His expression reveals shock, but I’m beyond fucking caring.

I grab four shot glasses and fill them, tossing back mine immediately. “Yeah, I’m telling her. She deserves to know.”

“What if—”

“Ev, fucking drop it. I’m not interested in the ‘what ifs’ right now.” He observes me closely as he gulps down his shot.

“Did something happen while we were gone?”

My silence speaks volumes, prompting him to sigh deeply, his head dropping. “Damn, Koda. What the fuck did we miss?”

I pour another shot and take a steady breath before responding. “You didn’t miss anything. I just need to tell Ember the truth about everything. I can’t keep hiding the shit from her.”

Ev nods, his concern etched across his face as he watches me. “I get it, man. Just be careful with her, okay?”

He’s right, and though I want to shield her from any pain, she needs to hear the truth .

“I will. Let’ s just head back to the others and have some fun for now.”

I walk into the living room, Ev close behind, and as I enter, Ember greets me with an eager smile. It tugs at my heart, knowing it’s about to fade, but I can’t put this shit off any longer.

Ember

Sitting here, embracing a pleasant buzz, I can't help but steal glances at Koda, yearning to uncover the secret that hides behind his enigmatic demeanor. A weight lifts from my shoulders, a soothing relief coursing through me as I finally free myself of the burden I’ve been carrying.

To my surprise, he took the news with surprising grace; I half-expected him to explode or chastise me for keeping it to myself. Little does he know I reported it to campus police, who did absolutely fucking nothing, which is why I felt no need to share that detail with him.

As I survey the living room, I'm surrounded by flirty, joyful expressions, so I paste on a smile, reluctant to dampen the mood. To my astonishment, Baine pulls me onto his lap, his nose gliding along the nape of my neck.

"You still with us, doll?" He teases.

"Yeah, right here," I reply, feeling warmth flush through me.

Ev passes the bottle of J?ger, and I immediately shake my head. "Ugh, no way. Where's the whipped vodka?"

"That's a childish drink, little Vixen," he laughs, biting his lower lip in a way that makes it hard to look away.

"You all drank it just fine the other night. What does that say about you?"

Baine squeezes my thigh, triggering a reflexive jerk of my leg. "Got jokes, huh?"

"Just stating facts," I fire back, trying to be playful so they don’t catch on to something being wrong between Koda and me.

"Come here and let me show you how unchildish I really am." He leans back against the couch, patting his lap like he's some sort of jolly Santa Claus.

I roll my eyes and slide off his lap, chuckling as I reach for the whipped vodka. "Fine, I'll drink it myself then," I say, taking a hearty swig from the bottle. The sharpness stings my throat, but I embrace the burn.

Suddenly, Everest pulls me onto his lap, and I feel the heat of his body right away. "I ain't no fucking child, little Vixen," he asserts, cupping me and nipping at the side of my neck.

A shiver runs down my spine, and I take another gulp of vodka, desperately trying to mask the desire creeping across my face, though I know they notice. Koda raises an eyebrow, a smirk hinting at the corners of his lips.

"Careful, you might regret that in the morning," he warns.

I merely shrug and pass the bottle to him, fueled by a spark of defiance, but he shakes his head and lifts the J?ger. "I'm good with this."

The truth is, I’m already regretting quite a bit, but now isn’t the time to dwell on it. As the alcohol works its magic, the music pulses louder and laughter envelops the room, yet an uneasy feeling lingers beneath it all—something still feels unfinished. I risk stealing another glance at Koda, searching for any hint of clarity in his gaze, but all I find is a mischievous glint and a secret I fear I may never grasp.

"Alright, let's play naughty truth or dare," Everest proposes, rubbing the palm of his hand suggestively between my legs.

"How do we play?" I ask, acutely aware of how na?ve my question sounds.

"You pick truth or dare, and if you pass, you take a shot."

"Simple enough."

"Wait until you hear the dares," Baine chuckles darkly, shooting me a wink that sends a shiver down my spine.

"I'll go first," Koda announces, eyes glinting with mischief with a matching grin dancing across his perfect lips.

Everest grins, turning to him. "Alright, truth or dare, Koda?"

"Truth," he replies confidently.

"What happened while we were gone today?" Everest grins, apparently really wanting to know what he missed while he was out with Baine, but I can tell Koda isn’t in the mood to answer his question at all.

I notice Koda's jaw tighten as he casts a glare at Everest. He clearly doesn’t want to share, but the truth will come out eventually. Sliding off Everest's lap, I move to Koda's side, wrapping my arm around his shoulder.

Leaning in, I whisper in his ear, "Tell them. It's okay."

"Are you sure?" He asks, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

"Yeah, I'm sure." His fingers graze my lower back, and he releases a sigh of relief.

"Come on, Koda. Spill it or take a fucking shot."

"Fine. Ember, and I hooked up earlier." His grin causes butterflies to swarm in my stomach.

Baine and Everest seem taken aback, a mix of shock and jealousy on their faces as they dart heated glances at me.

"You hooked up with Koda?"

I nod, lifting the vodka bottle to my lips. "Yeah."

With a tinge of jealousy, Ev takes a shot of the J?ger, clutching the bottle so tightly that his knuckles turn white. "Ember, wanna go next?" He asks, his eyes glimmering with playful mischief.

"Sure, why not?" I shrug, wondering how bad it could really be.

"Remember, I can ask you anything ..."

Doubts begin to creep in as I nod, taking another swig of vodka. "I know, Ev."

Koda's grip around me tightens protectively, but I lean back against him, relishing his comforting embrace.

"You sure about this, Em?" He asks, concern lacing his tone.

"Yeah, it's just a game, Koda. I'll be fine."

He shakes his head, letting out a low chuckle. "Have you met Everest? He's fucking filthy."

"Yeah, I am." Ev interjects, wiggling his brows and urging me forward.

"Ask away, Ev. I'm ready."

"How about I let you ask me something first, and then I'll ask you? You look a bit nervous, little Vixen."

"Works for me," I reply, and Baine laughs, shaking his head.

"You just bought yourself some time, doll... for now. "

As the game unfolds and the questions grow bolder, a sense of unease settles in. I can feel the tension rising, and I know that my honesty could bring unforeseen consequences. Yet, I realize I can't stop now. I draw in a deep breath and lock eyes with Ev.

"Okay, Ev. My question for you is... what's the one thing you regret the most?"

In an instant, his playful demeanor shifts, and a flicker of vulnerability dances in his eyes. He hesitates, draws in a breath, and then opens up. "Letting my ex-wife drive with my kid while she was drunk."

An immediate hush envelops the room, leaving me in shock, unsure of how to react.

"If I hadn't allowed her in that car, my son would still be alive."

The silence is so profound you can hear a pin drop; my heart aches for him, tears glistening in his eyes and mine as he smiles through the pain. But the facade is thin, and I see the hurt so clearly beneath the surface.

I realize that this game serves a purpose far beyond mere amusement. It's a channel for us—a way to delve deeper and forge connections that run beneath the teasing and facades. Despite everything, a sense of camaraderie begins to take root between us.

Just as I start to gather my thoughts, Baine shatters the silence, his boisterous laughter cutting through the heaviness. "Well, damn, Ev. Talk about bringing the mood down. I thought we were all about fun and games."

Everest shoots him a glare, and Koda tightens his embrace around me, shielding me from the unintended awkwardness that glows like a neon sign in the room. It’s as if Baine didn’t even register the somberness that settled in, and I wonder if that’s just his way of deflecting—laugh it off, move on.

I catch Koda’s gaze; his brows furrowed slightly. There’s an intensity between us that seems to spur my heart into a rapid rhythm. I lean in closer to him instinctively, grounding myself in his presence. His hand moves to mine, fingers intertwining without hesitation, and it's incredibly soothing amidst the chaos.

I can see Everest’s smile faltering as he crosses his arms, a hint of irritation flashing in his gaze. Koda squeezes my hand, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. It’s a simple gesture, but it speaks volumes, especially right now.

“It’s your turn, Baine,” Everest relents, though the bite in his tone barely disguises the warmth in his eyes.

“Alright! I choose…” He scans the circle and latches onto me with a teasing grin. “Little Vixen, truth or dare?”

“Dare… Bring it on,” I challenge, emboldened by the energy in the room, despite the twinges of vulnerability still swirling within me .

“I dare you to kiss Koda right here, right now,” Baine laughs, leaning back as if he’s done an impressive magic trick.

The room bursts into cheers and playful shouts, and I feel Koda freeze beside me, the warmth of his body suddenly feeling more intense. My heart races, merging excitement with a nervous intensity that forces me to swallow hard.

Koda’s gaze meets mine, his eyes deep with unspoken questions and something else I can’t quite place. In the whirlwind of the moment, I know I could backtrack, laugh it off, or choose to shy away. But as the playful shouts keep pressing me forward, I realize that my own desire and defiance overpower any lingering hesitation. Drawing in a steadying breath, I lean closer to him, our emotions palpable in the air between us.

“You ready for this?” I murmur, my voice almost swallowed by the raucous cheers.

He smirks in that enigmatic way, but I can see the spark of something more in his eyes—a mix of challenge, expectancy, and perhaps relief.

“Only if you are.”

And before any other words come forth, our lips crash together, a blend of tension and craving igniting in the brief contact. The room falls silent, a moment suspended in time—just Koda and me, half-hidden under the shimmering haziness of laughter, vodka, and what feels like the promise of something deeper.

But as I pull back, the fog lifts just a bit, and reality floods back in. Breaths are held; eyes dart around us. A kaleidoscope of emotions dances among my friends, but for now, all I can focus on is the spark igniting between Koda and me, the secret growing undeniable.

Everest

Running a strip of red ribbon through my fingers, I attempt to shift my thoughts away from the turmoil in my mind. I envision the ribbon tied around Ember's neck as I lean over her, drawing her closer over the coffee table, lost in a moment of desire. I picture her blindfolded, my tongue teasing her, a playful torment before bending her back over the table.

Yet, in the midst of these fantasies, the heartbreaking sadness of my innocent son’s death anchors me down, front and center, an unshakeable weight on my shoulders. The guilt and anguish of losing him are relentless, consuming me from within. Still, I know I have to find a way forward, to push through the shadows and seek a flicker of peace. Maybe immersing myself in work might help—to dive into my job and carve out a distraction from the overwhelming grief that still lingers.

While I sit lost in my thoughts, I sense a change in Ember's expression; my distraction must have interrupted the mood. I need to find a way to revitalize the atmosphere, to transform it into something exhilarating and fun.

"Ember, if I recall correctly, it’s your turn," I remark, catching a hint of a smile on her face—but I crave a broader one.

"Ev, we don't have to keep playing," she replies.

"Who said that? We're in this until it's your turn, little Vixen."

Koda glances at me, his eyes bloodshot and glassy. I catch Baine muttering something incomprehensible under his breath, but at least everyone is smiling—sort of.

"Alright, if you're up for it, I'm all in," she comments, flashing me a playful smirk as she tucks a long strand of her lavender hair behind her ear, showing me her beautiful face.

"Good girl."

As Ember moves from Koda's lap to mine, she settles onto me, her enticing form pressing against the hardness of my cock beneath her. The red ribbon drapes across her lap, accentuating the moment.

"So, little Vixen: truth or dare?" A playful grin dances on her lips, and I can sense her leaning towards a bold choice.

"Dare," she says, her tone filled with challenge.

Slowly, I begin to wind the ribbon around her neck, forming a loose bow at the front, like a collar.

"I dare you to let me bend you over the coffee table and have Koda and Baine watch while I fuck you."

Koda shoots me a glare—I know he cares for her and doesn’t want to share—but she seems intrigued. I understand his feelings, but if she’s willing, what’s the harm in indulging?

“Ev—” Koda begins, seemingly ready to protest.

But Ember stops him, contemplating my dare. “Then fuck me, Everest.”

The challenge hangs in the air, a blend of excitement and tension that thickens the atmosphere around us. My heart races, not just from the thrill of her words but from the realization that we’re teetering on the edge of something dangerously reckless. The dim light flickers as I glance at Baine, whose eyes are wide with a mix of disbelief and intrigue, equally caught up in the spontaneous game.

“Is that what you really want?” I ask, my voice low, almost a whisper, teasing her with the possibility.

Ember bites her lip, a glimmer of defiance dancing in her eyes as she nods, her breath quickening ever so slightly. There’s a magnetic pull in the moment, an intoxicating interplay of desire and the risks that always seem to shadow us.

"Alright, then," I say, my resolve strengthening. I lean closer, brushing my lips against her ear. "But remember, you asked for this."

With deliberate slowness, I rise, lifting her with me, her body warm against mine. Koda shifts uncomfortably, a mix of reluctance and curiosity, but there's no turning back now. She guides me, her fingers curling into my shirt, urging me toward the coffee table. I turn her so that her back faces me, the ribbon trailing behind like a crimson promise.

“Hold on tight,” I murmur, watching the way her body responds to my words.

She leans forward, resting her arms on the edge of the table, her breath hitching in anticipation. There’s a rush of adrenaline that courses through me, intermingled with the specter of my grief. I remind myself that this moment, however ephemeral, is mine to seize. She glances over her shoulder, her hooded eyes capturing me in their depths. The playful challenge in her gaze pushes me onward, shoving aside the weight of my past, even if just for an instant.

“I can’t believe we’re doing this,” I hear Baine mumble, audibly astonished.

Koda remains tense beside him, but there's a flicker of intrigue starting to spark in his gaze. “Just remember to respect her boundaries, man,” he says, his voice a mixture of warning and concern.

I nod, acknowledging his intention. This was never about humiliation or disregard for her comfort. It's about shared desires—a fragile dance of consent and control—a moment where we can all escape. I take a step back, giving Ember the space to catch her breath.

“Are you ready?” I ask, my voice steady but laced with need.

She stretches her back and arches slightly, a silent confirmation, her body language radiating both vulnerability and defiance. The ribbon, now a symbol of this reckless venture, tightens around her neck just enough to remind her—and me—of the balance we must hold. And then I move closer, our chemistry igniting the space between us. With each calculated motion, I aim to remind her of the thrill that ignited this night. I wrap my arms around her waist, feeling the heat radiate off her skin, wanting to drown everything else out—the shadows, the grief, the guilt—if only for a moment of wild freedom.

The laughter and the playful repartee fade as we slip into a different rhythm; my heart beats faster, anticipation coursing through my veins. Everywhere I touch her feels electric, and I can't help but wonder if she feels the same, whether this can help equip her with a memory of desire that eclipses the dark and daunting shadows she carries too.

With the world outside fading beyond the walls, we embark on a dance that promises to unravel the chaos. And for the first time in weeks, I find a flicker of exhilaration reclaiming its rightful place alongside my pain—a tantalizing duality of life that I hope can heal the cracks within me.

Ember

I told Everest yes because I can see the look in his eye, and it's all my fault. I shouldn't have asked that, but it's too late now. I just want to see the smile on his face again.

"Ember, are you sure you're ready for that?" Koda's concern is evident, and I can tell he's trying to give me an out, but I want this too.

"I'm ready, Koda. How about you just relax with Baine and enjoy the show?"

"If you say so, beautiful."

Everest stands up and grabs a strip of silver ribbon, tying my hands behind my back while the red ribbon is tied tight around my throat. The silk feels cool on my hot skin, especially as Ev guides me toward the coffee table and lifts my dress over the curve of my ass, gently caressing my bare cheeks.

"Fuck, Ember. Look at this ass, girl."

"I'm glad you like it, Ev." I hear the zipper on his jeans sliding down, and I shiver, knowing we're getting even closer.

Pulling my soaked panties off, I wiggle my hips from his touch. He kneels behind me and spreads my ass, licking a slow, delicious line from my clit to my entrance while his face is buried in my ass. Pushing on my lower back, he lowers my upper body against the top of the table, giving him a better angle to eat me. He runs his hands over my thighs, making me tremble in anticipation.

Everest's tongue is soft and hot as he licks me, making me forget about all the bullshit. With my cheek pressed against the table and my hands bound behind my back, he buries his face in my pussy, his nose poking into my entrance while his tongue curls around my clit, making my legs shake.

"Fuck, you taste so good. I can only imagine how you're going to feel with your cunt wrapped around my cock."

I grind against his face, feeling intense jolts of pleasure as he licks a long lick with his flattened tongue. Fuck, it feels so good . My legs shake as he brings me close. But he stands up without letting me come.

"Fuck, you're nice and wet for me now, little Vixen."

"Condom, Ev." I hear Koda bark, and it makes me smile.

Pulling a little square of foil out of the coffee table drawer, Ev chuckles. "I know, bro."

I feel his hand on my lower back, pushing me against the table, my cheek feeling numb. "Open your legs for me, little Vixen."

"Yes, Everest." I part my legs, as hard as it is, and feel his warm cock resting between my ass.

Reaching between my parted thighs, he strums my clit and runs his fingers along my slit, feeling my generous coating of arousal soaking my pussy.

"Fuck you're nice and wet,” he growls, sending a primal feeling coursing through my veins.

"Mhm hmm."

"Are you ready?"

"Yes, Ev. Fuck me." Baine and Koda stay silent, watching intently.

Everest guides his cock to my entrance and pushes in using a single torturous thrust—nice and slow.

"Oh, fuck, you feel so good," I moan as Everest fills me completely.

The sensation of him inside me stretching me in the most delicious way is intoxicating. He begins to move in a slow and deliberate rhythm, the pleasure building with each thrust. Baine and Koda move closer, their eyes filled with hunger and desire as they watch us. Everest's hands roam over my body, the sensation of his touch combined with the rhythmic movement of his hips, driving me wild. I feel a sense of freedom in the restraints, a wild abandon as Everest takes control.

My moans fill the room as Everest's movements become more urgent, the intensity reaching an all-time high. He uses his cock as a weapon, pushing to the hilt inside of me, my pussy clenching around him with each dominating stroke.

"Holy fuck, you're tighter than I thought," he groans, licking a line across my shoulder blades.

As he pushes himself deeper and rougher inside me, I let out a long, low moan. The sensation is overwhelming, and I can feel the tension building up inside me. Everest sets a slow, steady rhythm, making every inch of me tingle with pleasure. And as we move together, I feel all my worries and doubts melt away.

I can feel the tension coiling inside me until it's released in a cascade of pleasure that leaves me shaking and breathless. As the waves of pleasure ebb, Everest holds me close, his chest warm against my back. Baine and Koda approach, their desire evident.

"Christ, doll, you look so beautiful when you're being fucked," Baine says, his voice rough with need.

Holding my hips, he slams me back against his cock, fucking me rougher than Koda did. I catch Koda's line of sight and see the hunger in his eyes as Ev pounds into my pussy, bringing me closer to coming with each delicious thrust. My body is on fire, and my legs are quivering, my orgasm on the brink of exploding. He spreads my legs even more, wrapping his hand around the front of my throat over the ribbon. I feel his hip tense against my ass as I push back into his pelvis, while mine is slammed against the table. He stutters, coming fast and filling up the condom as I let go myself, soaking the rubber in my release as he chokes me tighter.

“That was everything I thought it would be,” he mutters, gasping for air as his body shakes from the high it was just put through.

“Yeah, it was,” I whisper, my throat dry, my heart racing.

As he finishes, he loosens his grip on my throat, and I gasp for air, my body still shivering from the intensity of the orgasm. Koda steps closer, his eyes dark with desire, and takes my hand, pulling me up from the table. Without saying a word, he leads me out of the room and into the bedroom, where he lays me down gently and begins to explore my trembling body with tender caresses. I close my eyes, feeling the warmth of his touch and the lingering sensation of being dominated by Everest. The contrast is intoxicating, and I find myself willingly giving myself over to the pleasure again—like an addict, I just can’t get enough.

Koda

With Ember lying beneath me, I explore every inch of her body with my hands, navigating her curves as if reading Braille. The scent of her arousal lingers in the air, stirring feelings within me that I try to suppress; my intention tonight isn’t to lose myself in passion but to have an honest conversation. My intoxicated mind is a tempest, and I need to unburden myself.

"Koda, tell me what's wrong. I can see it in your eyes," she urges softly.

"You were always great at reading people, even as a child," I reply, bringing my thumb gently across her bottom lip and watching it part in response.

The way she reacts to my touch feels so perfect, as if she were crafted just for me. Yet that thought seems utterly fucking insane. Isn’t it sinful for siblings to experience such forbidden feelings? Shaking off the drunken haze, I trail a line of fervent kisses up her stomach, continuing until I reach her lips. I untie her hands but leave the ribbon around her neck, making her appear like my own precious gift.

"Koda?" She whispers, her voice laced with curiosity and concern.

"My little Ember, after I tell you what’s weighing on my heart, everything might change between us."

"I doubt that," she replies, attempting optimism, but I know the truth is heavy and could shatter her, especially with all she's endured.

"Ember, this isn’t a fucking joke, okay? I’m serious. If you decide you never want to speak to me again after this, I’ll understand."

"Koda, you’re scaring me." Fear flickers in her beautiful brown eyes, tugging on the strings of my heart.

I brush a stray strand of lavender-colored hair from her face, bracing myself for what I’m about to reveal. "Ember, I’m in love with you." The words linger in the air, and I watch as a whirlwind of emotions crosses her face—shock, disgust, relief.

The silence feels suffocating.

Finally, her voice is barely a whisper. "Koda, I've loved you for so long too."

A rush of relief washes over me, mingled with pure joy. In the moment, I forget everything outside of us and lose myself in the warmth of her gaze. But quickly, reality crashes back in.

"Ember, this is so fucking wrong," I say, my voice taut with unease. "Our parents would never allow us to be together."

She reaches out, her fingers brushing my cheek, pleading with me through her gaze. "Koda, I don’t fucking care about what's right or wrong, and I certainly don’t give a fuck about what our parents have to say about it. I care about you. I won’t walk away from this, no matter the cost."

Immediately, I’m overwhelmed by the depth of her feelings, struggling to find the words. But, as she leans in and captures my lips, I realize I can’t fight this any longer. We belong together—against every single obstacle. I’ll do whatever it fucking takes to keep her by my side.

"Tell me what you've been holding inside for so long, Koda."

Taking a deep breath, I bury my face in her chest, listening to the rhythmic beating of her thumping heart. "Do you remember my girlfriend—the one our parents fucking despised?"

Her jaw tightens, and she nods, animosity evident in her expression. "Yeah, how could I forget her ?"

"Well, she’s the reason I was kicked out and prohibited from seeing you."

Her eyes widen, and she scrunches her nose, waiting for clarity. "Why, though?"

Gritting my teeth, I meet her gaze, feeling sick at the thought of my confession. "She got angry that I was going to leave her, so she made up some bullshit lies against me, Ember." I look away in shame, but her hands cup my face, guiding my eyes back to her.

"What did she do?"

"She went to the police and claimed that I raped her." Her jaw drops, and her grip on my face tightens. "She was pregnant, but I had already planned to leave her and return home. She didn’t want that. She hurt herself to make it seem like I had assaulted her, and the police fell for it. I was arrested and spent five years in prison for something I didn’t do. Because of that, I can never see my child. I don’t even know if I had a son or a daughter."

Tears spill down both our cheeks, but I can’t decipher her thoughts. Does she see me as a monster? Has she been influenced by our parents' beliefs? I have her admission of guilt, but by the time she confessed, I had already served my sentence—with no recourse left for justice.

"That’s fucking awful! Why the fuck would she cry rape when so many real victims are suffering?" Fury ignites within her, but she doesn’t turn it on me. She pulls me closer, wrapping her arms around me tightly.

"I don't know, Ember. I don’t fucking know."

"I’m so sorry, Koda," she whispers, her voice trembling with emotion. "I could never believe you would do something like that. I always knew that whatever you supposedly did, you were innocent."

A sigh of relief escapes me as I hold her, finally feeling the burden begin to lift. "Thank you, Ember," I whisper back. "I just needed you to know the truth."

She pulls back, fierce determination lighting her eyes. "I’m going to fucking find her and make her ass pay."

I chuckle at her spirit, grateful for her belief in me, but I remember the damage that has already been done. "That’s why I’m a male dancer. With a rape and assault charge on my record, finding a decent job is fucking impossible."

"Wait, so you're really a stripper?"

"Yes, my little Ember. The three of us are."

She smiles and winks, pulling my face toward hers, and then she kisses me—an unforgettable kiss that leaves me speechless. As she pulls away, her lips linger near mine, her eyes searching my eyes. "I love you, Koda."

"I love you too, Ember," I reply, feeling a weight lift off my chest as I finally profess my truth to her. "But we need to focus on our future now, not dwell on the past."

Ember nods, wiping her tears and offering me a reassuring smile. "You’re right, Koda. We’ll navigate this together, and I’ll stand by you every step of the way. But I refuse to let her get away with this, no matter how long ago it happened."

My heart swells with gratitude at her resolve, knowing that she’s willing to stand by me through the aftermath of my tumultuous past. There’s something undeniably powerful about her unwavering support—it's as if her love is a beacon, guiding me out of the darkness I’ve been trapped in for so long.

"But fuck, how do we even begin?" I ask, my voice trembling slightly. "It feels overwhelming to even think about confronting the fucking ghost of my past. "

Ember leans back, her expression thoughtful as she runs her fingers through her hair. “We need to gather evidence. If she lied, there has to be something we can find to prove it. Maybe there are records or old messages that can help clear your name."

I nod slowly, the flare of hope igniting within me. “You’re right. I still have some old friends from that time. If anyone could remember what really happened, it’s them.”

Her eyes sparkle with determination, and I can see the gears turning in her mind. “Let’s start there. We can reach out to them together. Plus, I’ll help you craft a timeline of events. If we can show a pattern of manipulation on her part, we might just have a chance.”

“Together,” I echo, the two of us locked in this shared mission. I realize then how much her unwavering commitment anchors me. “What if it leads to more trouble, Ember? Do you really want to go down this road?”

She takes my hands in hers, her touch grounding me. “I can’t stand seeing you carry this awful weight. It’s affected every part of your life. If this is our chance to set things right, we have to take it, Koda. I won’t let fear dictate your future.”

Her words trickle through me like a soothing balm, and I pull her close. "You make things seem so much easier," I murmur against her hair, inhaling the comforting scent of her. "I'll follow you anywhere, as long as you stay by my side."

She looks up, seriousness etched in her features. “We need to be strategic. I want to be your partner in this—not just someone you lean on emotionally, but someone who actively fights for your justice.”

As I look into her eyes, I sense the fierce spirit that flares within her. It’s intoxicating and invigorating all at once—a force that propels me into action, albeit with a leap of vulnerability. “Then we have to be careful,” I say, my voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “I don’t want you caught in the crossfire. ”

“Too late for that,” Ember smirks, her smile breaking through the tension like dawn breaking through dusk. “I’m already in it. Just promise me you’ll let me help.”

“I promise,” I agree, feeling a surge of warmth radiate from her as I lean in to kiss her again.

This time, the kiss is different—not just electric but filled with urgency—a shared ambition.

We settle into a rhythm of planning; each suggestion we toss back and forth, building upon the last. We spend hours going through my phone, searching for old contacts, texts, and anything that might shed light on the truth. The deeper we delve, the more real this feels—this fight for my vindication, our possible future together.

"You’re incredible, you know that?" I say, unable to hide my admiration.

Ember looks up, her cheeks flushed, and she shrugs with mock nonchalance, though I can tell she’s pleased. “I’m just being who I am. And I’ll always be this way for you. We’ll break down every wall that stands between us, Koda.”

With her by my side, I feel a rush of hope—hope that we can transform this darkness into something illuminating, shedding light on the truth, and reclaiming my life—the life I thought was stripped away by someone else's cruelty.

"We’re going to fix this," I declare, squeezing her hands and holding her gaze as she nods, infectious determination sparking a fire in my chest. " Together ."

" Together ," she echoes, and in that one word, a world of promise is forged.