Chapter 31: Contract No More

He pulled me close to his body and it was enough that we exchanged faces. This kiss was magical and enchanting and only the moon and the stars witnessed this special night of mine. "I'm breaking my own rule for you. I like you so much, Solene," he whispered sweetly to me.

With those words, I totally forgot how to breathe

“Why did you suddenly leave earlier?" asked Fire. His warm hands wrapped around my waist as we sat side by side on his couch. I don't remember how we got here. All I could think right now is the sensation of his warm hands making me feel like I'm on cloud 9.

"You know I'm there?" I asked.

"Who wouldn't? You're so beautiful, even a cockroach will notice you," he answered then grabbed my hand. He intertwined our fingers as he rested his head on my shoulder.

"So why did you leave?" he repeated the question. "It's too hot inside so I went out," I excused myself. "You sang so well earlier. Too bad Lovelle wasn't there. She didn't hear your song for her."

He raised his head and slowly presented me to him. His forehead was wrinkled and I couldn't read what was going through his mind. His eyes marveled across my face and stopped at my lips. I feel stiff at this moment.

"Isn't everything clear to you yet, Solene?" he said in a gentle voice.

I remained silent and he continued.

"I don't care about Lovelle. I don't care about other girls. All I care is you, because you're the one I want. You're the girl it chose." He took my hand and placed it on his chest - opposite his heart.

"Hindi mo pa rin ba naiintindihan? I like you... I like you more than minions like banana. I like you so much, Solene Alvarez. That song was dedicated to you. No other girl, just you."

I blinked. It's like I'm on top of the clouds again and surrounded by many shining stars.
I'm stupid. I'm stupid. I believed that he liked Lovelle, when in fact it's me.

*I've realized something. My thoughts were not helping me, thus causing my pain. I overthink and this kills me. I am the reason why I am hurt. Maybe I shouldn't overthink things. Maybe I should just let things flow and learn to deal with it.*

"Are you serious about what you're saying, Fire? Because if not, please, don't play with my feelings." There is still fear in my heart despite the confession he just told me

"Trust me, Solene, I'm more than willing to give up everything for you.

I'm willing to break my own rules just for you because you're the one who only matters to me. I guess, I don't just like you. I think... I'm in love with you."

My eyes widened. My heart beat even faster.

*I just calmed down. Is what I heard right?*

Once, I dreamed of having someone like Fire Dustin Callantelove me.

Sometimes, I dream that I love him and he loves me too and every time I wake up, I wake up with a smile drawn across my lips.

Even now, the word "happy" feels inadequate to describe what I'm feeling. I let out a deep sigh.
I unknowingly caught his gaze, and at that moment, my heart leaped. I wanted to run away, but I couldn't. The emotions surging within me were overwhelming. I couldn't even speak. I could only stare into his intense gray eyes, full of passion and love. And in that moment, I knew he truly meant his words.
I feel like I've won the lottery. Who would have thought that someone like him would be interested in someone ordinary like me? I'm just a regular person; he's a star. I've always admired him from afar, but he seemed so unattainable.
It seems unreal, but it's actually happening. I'm filled with a strange excitement because of his powerful presence. It feels like a party inside me. The way he looked at me was intense and unwavering.
He's my support, my refuge, my salvation. And here I am again, falling for him.
"How about you, Solene? Do you love me?"
I was speechless. My lips parted, and I could only stare at him, stunned. I wanted to tell him that I loved him, but a part of me hesitated. Lianne's words echoed in my mind.
*"Fire is a playboy, Solene. Be careful, or you might fall into his trap." A sudden wave of apprehension washed over me.*
What if this is just a game for him? What if, after saying all those things, he suddenly changes his mind? What if this is just a game of the heart? What if he doesn't actually feel anything for me?
I know love is a gamble. We'll never know the outcome unless we take the risk. And in my situation, I'm terrified to take that risk because I'm afraid of getting hurt. I'm afraid he might just toy with my heart. I'm afraid that one day, he'll just leave me.
But how will I know if he's serious? If I give up easily? What if I give up too soon?
My heart is in turmoil. I'm afraid of getting hurt in the end. But if I don't try, I'll always regret it.
I'm confused and don't know what to say in response to his question. At the same time, I don't want to reveal all my cards.

“ It's okay if you can't answer my questions yet, Solene, but I promise you one thing—I won't give up on you. I will prove myself to you... that I'm worth loving. Even if we break up every day, I will keep pursuing you until you love me also.”
"Prove that to me, Fire. Prove that you're worthy of my heart. Perhaps, that's all I need."
"Thank you..." I replied briefly.
"No, I should be the one thanking you. You changed me for the better. You taught me how to be happy. You taught me how to love. You made me laugh without reservations. And you are the reason why I'm ready to forgive and forget. You're a blessing to my messed-up life, Solene. You're an angel in a woman's guise..."
I couldn't help but cry because of his words. Hearing his words warmed my heart that night. For someone like me who always felt alone, this felt like I was truly alive. Just hearing his words warmed my heart. The cozy music I heard, especially the EXO song, made me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.
He rested his chin on his chest and listened to my rapid heartbeat. "Why me, Fire? So many are chasing you, but why me?"
I felt his arm around my waist. It always felt different, and this confession made it feel even more special.
"I'm afraid I can't answer that one," he said, chuckling softly. "Maybe because you're hot? Maybe because just looking at you makes me very horny?"
"Fire!" I playfully slapped his hand, which made him laugh.
"I really don't know, Solene. Do I really need a reason to love you? I just love you, and that's it? It's that simple..."
"I don't think that's love if you say you love me because I'm beautiful. If I say that I love you because I love the way you look at me when we make love, that's surely not love. I just love you. No reason, no sugarcoating..."
"I didn't expect you to be cheesy," I said, laughing softly.
"You make me," he said, hugging me tightly.
He lowered his head to my back and looked at me. I felt his gaze intensely. I was afraid to look him in the eyes. I was afraid he would suddenly take advantage of me, Solene, so let's start over—just you and me.
"How can I resist you?" he whispered before kissing me.
I felt his hands on my back. I felt his touch, and I felt the excitement. If ever, this was the first time I felt this way.
I remembered the times he told me he never let any woman lay on his bed yet here I am being laid slowly on the soft mattress of his bed.

He continued kissing my lips; I missed him so much.
"Fire...," I murmured.
"You want me?" he asked suggestively.
I felt his warm lips on mine, and I felt his hot breath on my chest. He licked the middle of my breast, and I practically melted into him.
He has complete control over my body. My senses were heightened, and as he reached under my shirt with his left hand, I was about to push him away.
I wanted to say something, but...
"What about our contract? Why are we still doing this?" I asked.
His face was impassive, but his eyes revealed his intense emotions. I saw the passion in his eyes. I wanted to disappear because of his expression, but I couldn't. He's the one who's always strong, but now, it's him who needs comfort.
"Damn that contract. Can we extend it for six hours?"

“Six hours, your foot!”
“ You want me, so stop fighting," he grinned, and I felt his eyes on me.
"Pfft, Okay, fine!" He laughed, suddenly changing his mood. "But I'll make sure to make you pay for this.” He looked at me naughtily. “ And I should have punished you for lying to me about seeing Martinez."
"The past is the past, Fire," I said seriously. "What's important is what we're facing now." Fire's expression was intense. He seemed to be fighting back.

*Saying yes to him will be dangerous for my body and my heart. I'll make sure to have a wheelchair ready before doing it with him.*

We remained silent, embracing each other tightly. I felt safe in his arms. There was no one speaking.
"Good night, Solene..."
I felt his lips on my forehead. It was the first night we slept together without anything happening between us.