When I met you

Breaking the limits

Akermisia Miller

Dinner comes to an end and my mother says goodbye, after, of course, throwing herself all over Kalon. I think she must have some kind of crush on him.

When Eliane finally leaves, I can release the breath I only then realize I’ve been holding.

As I return alone to the kitchen, I notice the entire staff is already being dismissed and the two brothers are sitting at the counter. They are so different from each other and yet dangerously handsome beyond reason. Kalon has darker hair and his features are more striking than Adam’s. He’s taller, only by a few centimeters, but Adam has more muscle. The eldest Melchior always wears finely tailored suits and his hair is perfectly combed, as is the beard outlining his sharp jawline.

The youngest always has his hair in complete chaos.

His amber eyes are utterly inviting, and his lips are far too desirable.

I’m drifting off in thought, but I see that it’s Kalon who notices my silent presence in the kitchen archway.

— Behave, children. — discreetly, he sets down his whiskey glass and picks up his briefcase, placing a hand on his brother’s arm in a simple but beautiful gesture of affection. It’s obvious he cares about his brother.

Consequently, his path toward the stairs makes him pass by me.

— Thank you… — I whisper softly when his shoulder is close to mine.

— It was nothing, I did it for the food. — he murmurs without much expression. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice him glance at Adam. — Just be careful… I hope you’re aware of what you’re getting yourself into. — he whispers so quietly that I have to strain to hear him. When he disappears, leaving me covered in goosebumps and questions, I walk over to Adam.

— Thank you, really, for tonight, — I say with the best smile I can manage. Regardless of who Adam Melchior was, I recognized gestures. And I wasn’t ungrateful. — I need to go… before it gets too late.

I reach for my purse, but Adam stops me. He pulls me not only closer to his body but also against the wall, trapping me there between his arms…

— Adam… — I try not to sound surprised.

— Give me a chance. — he asks, his hands sliding down the sides of my body. The kitchen lights are off, so the little vision I have comes from the hallways and the outdoor area, but it’s still little. Far too little to keep me lucid.

— I need to go. — my voice is so weak that it makes me angry.

— No. — he swallows hard. — I was an i***t, an asshole. I should’ve called, I should’ve come after you the minute you walked out that door… But I don’t know how to deal with this, Isia. I want you. That much I know.

Adam kisses me.

His lips touch mine like embers, his tongue claiming space. When a groan escapes from deep in his throat, my entire body trembles. The kiss is firm, but at the same time slow, gentle. No. I can’t fall for him again. That’s all it was: carnal desire. I wouldn’t let myself give in to temptation because I knew that if I did, I could easily end up shattered.

— I think it’s better not to. — I push him away, my lips still damp and his breath still close.

But it’s as if he’s miles away now. His hands leave my hips, taking all the warmth from my body with them.

I feel cold without Adam.

— I’m not going to pressure you. I would never do that. — he tells me.

— I know…

Adam is beginning to form that dazzling smile of his when my stomach twists into a knot that rises to my throat.

He lifts his gaze. — You need to go… — he repeats what I can’t bring myself to say.

— I need to go. — I reaffirm, swallowing hard.

I grab my purse and head toward the partially dark hallway.

Just like the first time I was at his house, I find my way to the front door alone, and once again, Adam doesn’t try to stop me

I meet my mother the next day to say goodbye to her at the airport. I do my best to be the daughter she needs and, consequently, tell her that I’m happy about her engagement and that I’ll attend the wedding. Eliane is so pleased by the fact that I’m seeing someone that she doesn’t even mention my possible move to London.

— By the way, thank your boyfriend for me. I loved the breakfast he had delivered to the hotel, it was so classy! — she squeezes my hands. — You’re with a truly good man, my daughter.

She comments before disappearing through the boarding gate. I remain frozen, far too shocked by the information to process it further. What did she mean Adam had sent breakfast to my mother?

That wasn’t his style at all.

When I return to the dorm, I send him a message because, after all, saying thank you wouldn’t kill me.

“Breakfast? Really? Thank you. My mother was ecstatic.”

Two minutes later, he replies.

“Hey, gorgeous. I’m glad she liked it. That makes me happy.”

I ignore the silly smile forming on my face and put my phone away. I focus on the pile of assignments I’ve accumulated for next week. I spend the rest of the day and evening getting as much work done as possible. I stop for a few minutes to order a pizza and then get back to work. After eating, around eleven at night, everything becomes a blur. I was exhausted, and at some point, I simply passed out.

On Monday, after afternoon classes, Liv and I meet in the room to organize it.

— It’s Izabel’s birthday today. She invited us. Are you still planning on going?

Livia lies face down on my bed, propped up on her elbows.

Leaving aside the pile of clean clothes she should be folding.

— Are you going? — I throw the question back at her.

Her lips purse. — Izabel is nice and she was so kind to us. I think we should go. Why not? It’s not like Leo is my ex, or Adam yours. Why avoid them so much?

— I don’t know either. — I shrug. — We’re going.

I say suddenly.

Liv jumps up clapping. — Then I’m going to buy food. I’m starving.

I turn to look at her.

— It’s not normal for you to eat this much. — I reply. — Wait a second, you’re trying to get out of cleaning, aren’t you?

Liv blushes and blows me a kiss. She disappears running before I have the chance to stop her.

I’m going to kill her, no matter how cute she is.