Unbound: Forbidden Desires

16 | It's Complicated

𝓣ime seemed to stand still. The air crackled with an electrifying energy, drawing me closer to Eros. As his eyes locked with mine, I saw a reflection of my own desires, mirrored back with an intensity that left me breathless. He was telling the truth, and I never knew words could have such a weakening effect on my body.

"I'm not going to pretend I feel bad that that idiot cheated on you," Eros admitted. "To be honest, it brings me joy that you are no longer bound to that man, because you deserve so much better."

Had he drawn closer or had I? Because suddenly, we were closer than before.

"You deserve it all, little rabbit." His eyes swarmed with need, and yet, there was such restraint in his body and hardly any from my own. My senses felt heightened, my mouth watered with anticipation, craving the taste of his lips. His presence made me wild, and his warmth enveloped me like a comforting embrace.

"Why do you tell me such nice things and then pull away?" I asked.

"Doesn't mean I mean it any less."

I sighed. "That just hurts me more, Eros."

"I don't mean to hurt you, Eva. I'm sorry." His stormy eyes were full of sincerity.

"So don't." I said simply, biting my lip hard.

Eros was breathtakingly handsome, it wrecked havoc on my insides. I wanted him. I wanted him badly. And once again, we were so close that I could feel my warmth latching onto his, clinging to him. I felt drawn like a magnet.

I wanted to kiss him. I knew he wanted to kiss me, but he sat still.

"What's holding you back?"

Eros hesitated, his eyes flickered with emotions I couldn't quite decipher. It was as if he was battling his own demons, torn between his desire and his fears. Finally, he let out a sigh and met my gaze. But instead of delving into the specifics, he gave me a vague response. "It's complicated."

Complicated? That could mean a hoard of things, and for some reason, I just couldn't let it go that easily. I wanted a reason, because a part of me feared that his answer had to do with me. "Is it because I'm a virgin?" I couldn't help but voice my insecurities. I know it was silly, but I was searching for any possible reason behind his hesitation, and if he saw me as young and inexperienced, that could be enough to hold him back.

That could explain why he'd changed his mind that first night I met him. Everything had been moving forward, until he suddenly stopped himself.

Eros scoffed, shaking his head of dark hair. "Of course not, Eva. That has nothing to do with it." He reassured me.

Relief washed over me, and I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding onto. "So then?" I pressed.

He sighed, his gaze searching mine for a moment before he spoke. "Eva, you don't understand what you're getting into getting involved with me. I come with a lot of baggage, things you might not be able to handle. I don't want my mistakes to taint what could be between us."

"Eros, we all have our pasts and our baggage," I said softly. "But it's the person you are now that matters to me. I am more than capable of deciding what I can't and can handle, but you back out before giving me a chance."

"Because I don't want you to get hurt."

"I won't. I know I look fragile, but...I really like you Eros." I looked down at my hands, because I felt ashamed admitting that out loud, vulnerable. I was laying my heart out on the line for Eros to either accept or reject.

"It's stupid, I know, but...it's just that, everytime I'm near you...I just..." I sighed, arching my head back. I couldn't help but wonder if I was being foolish, allowing myself to feel so strongly for someone I had only met Eros twice. But before I could dwell in my doubts, Eros reached out and gently took my chin in his hand, bringing my face towards his and resting his forehead against my own.