Chapter 12: Love or Just Fire?
385 Words
The air between them was different now.
Karuna had spent so long keeping her guard up, controlling every move, refusing to let anyone in.
But Imani?
He had walked right past her defenses—and now, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to push him back out.
The Morning After
She woke up tangled in silk sheets, the soft glow of morning slipping through her bedroom windows.
For a moment, she lay still, her mind catching up to the events of the night before.
The kiss.
The fire.
The way Imani had looked at her like she was the only thing in the world that mattered.
And now?
Now, she was alone.
Her stomach twisted—had he left?
Before she could spiral, the sound of movement in the next room made her sit up.
He was still here.
She exhaled, brushing a hand through her curls before slipping out of bed.
When she stepped into the living area, she found Imani standing by the window, coffee in hand, dressed in nothing but dark slacks.
The sight of him—broad shoulders, toned back, the way the morning sun kissed his skin—was unfair.
As if sensing her presence, he turned.
And when he did?
His smirk was pure trouble.
“Good morning,” he said, his voice smooth.
Karuna crossed her arms. “You’re still here.”
He raised a brow. “Did you expect me to disappear?”
She didn’t answer.
Because, honestly?
Yes.
She had been conditioned to believe that passion was temporary, that men like Akil always took what they wanted and left when the high was over.
But Imani?
He was different.
He set his coffee cup down and took a step closer. “Talk to me Karuna. "What’s going through that brilliant mind of yours?”
She hesitated, then finally asked, “What is this?”
His eyes darkened slightly, but not with hesitation. With certainty.
“It’s whatever you want it to be,” he said. “But if you’re asking me?”
She held her breath.
“I think this is the start of something real.”
Her heart skipped a beat.
No games. No manipulation. No power struggles.
Just truth.
And for the first time in a long time—she wanted to believe it.
- Writer
