Bound Through Secrets

"Please don't stop..." I muttered, my voice trembling as he went deeper into me. I grabbed the sheets tight, my body trembling with pleasure. His lips stayed on my chest, teasing me as waves of ecstasy hit me hard. A few more thrusts, and he groaned, finishing right after me. His dark, messy hair, once neat and slicked back, now fell over his face. He stood up, pulling away from me, brushing his hair back with one hand. The sides of his head were shaved short, leaving the top long and wild. He had a strong vibe, like he owned the room. His sharp jaw and deep green eyes made him look intense. Tattoos covered his arms and crept up his neck, adding to his dangerous charm. This guy was insanely attractive, and I couldn't figure out why he picked me for this. I'd never done a one-night stand before. I stayed pure all through high school and only lost my virginity a few months ago to my boyfriend, Ethan. That same Ethan I caught cheating with my friend and roommate, Mia. The sound of their bodies together still haunts me, along with Mia's loud moans, like a broken siren. What stung most was her smirk when she saw me watching, as Ethan finished. When he noticed me standing there, he went pale. He ran after me, out of our apartment in Chicago, swearing it was a mistake. He said I was the only one who mattered and begged me to stay. But I don't forgive cheaters. I left, tears streaming, and went to my best friend, Sophia. She has a fancy condo in downtown Chicago her family uses for trips. She let me crash there. Sophia dragged me to a club tonight, where this gorgeous guy caught my eye. Pure luck and a few drinks gave me the courage to end up in his apartment. Now that it's over, I'm lost. What shall I do next? I have never done this before. Are there rules? Are you just leaving? No cuddling, correct? While he went to the restroom to clean up, I grabbed my clothing. I wanted to leave before he got back, so he wouldn't think I anticipated more. We each got what we wanted, now it's time to leave. I was tugging on my shirt when he came out of the restroom. "Leaving so quickly?" Staring at me, he reclined against the door with cross arms and legs. His stare was so fierce that my knees almost gave way. My legs felt shaky after we had just spent several hours together. I'd never felt so alive. He knew exactly how to touch me, giving me pleasure I'd never felt with Ethan. With Ethan, it was always fast, and I rarely finished. This guy, Noah, was different. He hit all the right notes and exuded confidence. "Yes, tomorrow I have an early class." I said, averting his glance, I need to sleep. I was clueless what I was doing. "Stay here. I'll drive you in the morning," he answered, his tone calm but forceful. I give a headshake. "No, I'm all right. I will grab a ride. Thanks for this." My remarks sounded strange as I reached for the door. He took hold of my hand and pulled me back before I could open it. His muscles were hard against me as I bumped against his powerful chest. "You screamed my name for hours, and I don't even get yours?" he said, tilting my chin up so I'd meet his eyes. "Why do you need it? That was not the bargain, Noah," I taunted, trying a smile. I chose him not just because he was the most attractive man I'd ever seen, but also because I expected to never see him again in a big city like Chicago. I didn't want his name, nor did I want to disclose mine. This was my way of forgetting Ethan, proving he didn't matter anymore. I turned it into a game, and it led us here. Noah broke the rules by telling me his name, wanting to hear me say it-and I did, loudly. "I shared mine," he whispered as his lips touched my cheek. My body reacted to him in previously encounter moments. It was exciting but also overwhelming. That was your choice. You broke the rules. IAs I stepped back, I winked and said, "I play fair." He looked at me for a time, his eyes narrowing. Then he stood up, reminding me that he was tall, likely over six feet. Although he was not large, he had boxer-like muscles. His heavy brow furrowed slightly as he crossed his arms again. Alright, he grinned and said, "I'll give you the name Lily." "Lily?" Puzzled, I c****d my head. "For your brilliant purple hair," he replied, pointing to my painted hair. "Clever," I murmured, rolling my eyes and laughing. "Goodbye, Noah." I hurried out of his apartment before he could stop me again. My heart raced as I replayed the night. Noah was unlike anyone I'd ever met, magnetic and bold. I still couldn't believe he chose me out of all the girls at the club. It gave my confidence a much-needed boost. Growing up, I struggled with my wild, purple-dyed hair that I only tamed in college. In high school, it was a frizzy mess, earning me nicknames like "purple puff" or "neon mop." The teasing was brutal, especially with my braces and slight speech issue. High school was tough, but I pushed through. I focused on my studies and got into my dream college in Chicago, where I'm a year away from an engineering degree. Sophia found me in my first vear of college. She helped me come out of my shell, and we clicked immediately. She offered me a makeover, showing me how to interact to people and style my hair without feeling uncomfortable. She was like my fairy godmother or maybe godsister. I called her as I headed to the elevator. "Lila! Oh my gosh, how was he?" Sophia's voice burst through the phone after one ring, like she'd been waiting. "Sophia, he was... incredible," I said, stepping into the elevator. "Come pick me up. I'll send you my location. I'll tell you everything in the car." "I'm coming!" With her keys jingling in the background, she exclaimed, "Don't miss a single detail!" A small part of me questioned whether I would see Noah again as the elevator doors closed. Was it wrong to hope for it?