Crimson Destiny : Too Close to Handle (English)

Held Breath, Stolen Heart

When Abigail accepted the young man's hand, he suddenly pulled her close, causing her heart to race. He looked straight into her face, his gaze intensifying the turmoil in her chest. She knew she had just met the man and shouldn't trust him. Yet, it felt as though her own heart was betraying her.

"I am warning you. I am about to kiss you," Edward declared to Abigail.

"I – I might be bad at it," Abigail said. But she couldn't finish what she was saying when the young man captured her lips. Their mouths met hungrily as he pulled her closer. This time his kiss was passionate and devouring, a fierce meeting of lips that left them both gasping for air. It was a kiss that spoke of intense desire and raw emotion. Abigail did not resist as Edward carefully laid her down on the bed and his lips still locked on hers. He his lips on her as he was unable to fight that feeling of being drawn to her. Those lips are the sweetest. He thinks he is lost in the sensation.

His touch sent electricity coursing through her body; she couldn’t believe how much just touching him affected her so deeply. Their kisses are deep and passionate, each one more intense than the last. They move together in perfect harmony, every touch, every caress, igniting a fire within.

While Edward covers Abigail’s lips with his own, he finds himself consumed by thoughts of strawberries – her lips taste just like them, and it's utterly addictive. His tongue explored her mouth lazily like ripples on still water. She moaned as he stroked his flat stomach with his hands. She feels as though her body is on fire. Every touch from Edward set her body ablaze. It was the first time she experienced such a sensation.

His touch sent electricity coursing through her body; she couldn’t believe how much just touching him affected her so deeply. Their kisses are deep and passionate, each one more intense than the last. They move together in perfect harmony, every touch, every caress, igniting a fire within.

Taking a deep breath, she pressed herself against him, every contour of her body fitting into his. He kissed her cheek, her jaw, her ear, caressing her with a tenderness that left her breathless. Each place he touched sparked a flame within her, pulling her deeper into the warmth of his hands.

Overwhelmed by her emotions, she could no longer distinguish between her senses and his touch, which made her surrender entirely. The night is a blur of heat and emotion, a perfect blend of intensity and tenderness that they will remember forever.

"Stop." Edward abruptly said, and stopped kissing Abigail. He thought he had to control himself. Then he rested his hand on the pillow beside the young woman's head. Then he looked at the innocent face of the girl. Abigail was looking at the young man, Is he rejecting her? She knew she had no experience of that, it would be embarrassing if Edward suddenly left her after she surrendered without a second thought.

Edward was about to stand when he suddenly felt the girl's grasp on his arm. Turning, he saw her awake and clinging to him. He was momentarily startled. Did she understand what had transpired? Would she think he was exploiting her vulnerability? As the young man turned back, he saw that she was still crying. Unsure of how to comfort her, he sat back down.

"What's wrong?" asked the young man.

"Can you stay with me tonight?" the girl said, causing the young man to pause abruptly. Was she seducing him? The thought suddenly crossed the young man's mind. Was this girl different from what he had assumed? Or was she just like those he had met in nightclubs, concealing their venom behind an innocent facade? He had encountered many women of this sort. He couldn't believe that this girl was one of them. He had almost believed she was truly an innocent maiden. Had she deceived him? He should have realized it earlier.

“I don’t----”

“Figures,” Abigail said, stopping Edward to say the things he wanted to say. He suddenly looked at her. Was she really desperate or is she sad? He doesn't understand. He especially can't understand the emotion he is feeling right now.

“I’m sorry.” The young woman said and released the young man's arm, then attempted to turn away, but she suddenly stopped when the young man's arm suddenly wrapped around her. The young woman looked at the young man in surprise.

"Tell me, are you fully aware of what you're doing? Or what's about to happen? Because I refuse to be a victim of women like you," said the young man.

"What do you think I am?" Abigail asked. "Do you look down on me because your nephew left me? I thought you were different," she added, feeling embarrassed and disappointed

"That's not what I meant," he replied. "Perhaps you're just taken aback by the events." He was aware of her recent heartbreak. He didn't want to appear as if he was taking advantage of Abigail's vulnerability.

"But honestly, your lips are the sweetest I've ever tasted. If I weren't in my right mind, I might have—" His words were abruptly cut off when she pulled him closer. If his hand hadn't rested on hers, his lips might have weakened again. She was doing this intentionally.

"Girl, do you realize what you're doing?" he asked. Their faces were so close he could smell his fresh breath. This was the first time she had been this close to him. It was as if they were about to exchange breaths. She had always been guarded around James. Even though she liked him, nothing happened. Now that she thought about it, their relationship hadn't progressed because James didn't want her. He couldn't even kiss her. He always kissed her forehead as if she were an old lady.

"Let me ask you again. Are you aware of what you're doing or what is about to happen?" he asked in a baritone voice

At that moment, he knew he is having a hard time controlling himself. Her scent even hypnotized him. But he doesn’t want to jump at this girl and get sued later for assault. He wants to make sure he has her consent. In case he fails to control his urge because this girl is enchanting her to a point of no return.

“I am aware of what I am doing. I am an adult. I am so tired of people treating me like a fragile glass.” The young woman said, then wrapped her hand around the young woman's neck and crossed the small distance between their faces, bridging the gap that separated their lips. As soon as their lips meet, they both slowly close their eyes. They both savored the moment, lost in the heat of their kiss as the young man claimed her lips. He couldn’t stop thinking about strawberries—sweet, ripe, and utterly addictive. Her lips tasted like them, and he was helplessly drawn in, intoxicated by every breath and every touch

His tongue explored her mouth lazily like ripples on still water. She moaned as he stroked his flat stomach with his hands. She felt like every part of her body ignited when touched by the young man. It was her first time feeling that sensation.

Abigail rose from her bed and walked towards the table. She noticed the food prepared for her and a note. Picking up the note, she read the message inscribed on it.

"Sorry I didn't wait for you to wake up. This cruise won't dock until after Christmas. You can stay in this cabin until then, Merry Christmas, My Lucky Red," the note from the young man read.

Abigail looked at the food and smiled, unable to hide the young man's sweetness. She felt embarrassed knowing she had initiated what happened between them the previous night. Perhaps it was because she felt she could trust him. She didn't know if she would see Edward again, but she was happy with what he had done for her. The only memories she had of him were the ring he had given her and that night.

Abigail stayed on the cruise, celebrating Christmas by herself. If she had gone through with her wedding to James, she wouldn't have been alone on that festive day. Yet, she felt it was for the best that she didn't marry him, having seen his true colors in time. Despite her unfulfilled dreams on that voyage, she still experienced something wonderful