Beyond Desire

Chapter 6 - Hurt

As Macy's car pulled up to the luxurious mansion, the automatic gates swung open, allowing them to enter. They parked in one of the garages, and a butler approached them.

"Welcome, Mam Macy and Mam Alex. Please, allow me to escort you to the pool area, where the party is being held."

As they followed him, Macy whispered to Alex, "OMG, Alex! I didn't know it was a pool party! I thought it was in the garden. I'm not prepared; I'm only wearing a cocktail dress."

Alex glanced around, feeling uneasy. But before she could respond, the butler said, "Don't worry, ladies. We have swimwear and two-piece outfits for our guests. For both ladies and gentlemen, given the sudden gathering."

Macy and Alex exchanged a look, then followed the butler to the pool area. As they emerged, Alex's eyes widened in surprise. The pool area was transformed into a party zone, complete with a disco ball and buffet spread. The atmosphere was lively, with people laughing and chatting.

Carlos, busy mingling with friends from the basketball team, spotted them and excused himself to greet them. "Glad you could make it!" he said, smiling. "Make yourselves at home. There's food, drinks, and music. Let's have some fun!"

Carlos instructed his butler to assist Macy and Alex in finding a room to change into swimsuits. Macy eagerly followed, while Alex trailed behind, feeling hesitant. The butler led them to a spacious room filled with various swimwear options.

Macy's eyes widened as she spotted a red two-piece swimsuit. "This one! " she exclaimed. Alex struggled to choose, as most options were two-piece suits. Macy picked out a blue two-piece and handed it to Alex, saying, " This one suits you." Alex reluctantly agreed.

After changing, Macy emerged confidently in her red swimsuit. Alex followed, looking less than thrilled in her blue swimsuit. " I don't like this, " Alex said, trying to adjust the suit. Macy chuckled and handed her a piece of fabric. " Use this to cover up if you're feeling self-conscious."

As Macy ran off, Alex hesitated, feeling exposed. Suddenly, she heard a whistle behind her. Turning around, she was taken aback by two identical twins standing in front of her. Both were handsome and around her age, but one had a dimple on the left side of his face, while the other had dimples on both sides.

" Hi, " one of the twins said with a smile. " You're new around here, right? I'm Kai, and this is my twin brother, Kier.

" Alex " introduced herself,

and Kier asked, "So, what brings you to Carlos' party? "

Alex replied, "I'm a member of his art club, along with Macy. "

Kier nodded.

" Oh I know Macy. She's always loud and lively in the club." Kai added, " Want to join us downstairs? Our mom is in the dining area, and we'd like to introduce you. "

Alex was taken aback by the invitation, wondering why they wanted to introduce her to their mom. She thought to herself, Are they looking for a girlfriend? But she didn't say anything out loud.

" But I'm wearing a two-piece, " Alex said hesitantly. " Is that okay? "

The twins examined Alex's body, noticing the slimy texture that seemed addicting, before quickly covering her chest. If they couldn't tell, Alex's body was almost perfect - petite, yet with a curvy waist and ample chest. Alex suddenly felt anxious. Anxious about her illness... no, please not now. She thought to herself.

She saw Kier gently touch his arm before someone snatched Alex's hand away - it was Harvey. Wait, why was Harvey here? Was he following them?

Before she knew it, she was being taken to what seemed like a guest room because there were no other people around.

" What's your problem! " Alex pushed Harvey away.

" You're the problem. Your behavior changed earlier like it wasn't you. I followed you and Macy, " Harvey replied.

" You followed us? Why? "

"Because what if something happens to you? What if I didn't follow you? What if you end up with that twin, enjoying the pleasure?" Harvey explained.

A loud slap echoed through the room, and an oppressive silence fell, as if the sound still reverberated in every corner.

"This isn't what I wanted," Alex sobbed, her voice cracking as tears streamed down her face. "You think I wanted this? I didn't, Harvey. I'm ashamed of it, but you, the person who knows my secret, chose to humiliate me. Is that what you want? Or maybe you just want me like this, only for yourself?"

Seeing Alex cry continuously, Harvey felt a stab in his heart. He had hurt Alex, the one who had trusted him with her secret.

" Look, Alex, I'm really sorry, I just don't want you to get in trouble. I'm sorry, I didn't mean what I said, I was just carried away by my emotions, " Harvey replied.

"Your emotions? Oh, maybe you're starting to enjoy the thrill of fixing me because we've repeated this mess so many times,"

Alex spat, her voice laced with venom. "Let me remind you, Harvey, no matter how many times we go through this charade because of my disease, there's one thing that'll never change: I will never fall in love with you. Don't mistake my dependence on you for affection. You mean nothing to me beyond a fix," she hurled, her words cutting through the air.

With that, Alex turned and walked away, leaving Harvey feeling like he'd just lost a part of himself.

Is he falling for her that fast? Just because of what she's going through? Harvey's thoughts swirled in confusion.

Why does it feel like he's known her forever, yet it's only been a short time? He thought about his past relationships, the ones that had fizzled out without much effort.

But this...this felt different. The way he felt drawn to her strength, her vulnerability, her determination. Harvey's eyes narrowed as he questioned himself.

Is he really that susceptible to love? Someone like him, Harvey Clarkson, the guy who'd always prided himself on being in control?

He let out a low, self-deprecating chuckle. Maybe he was just fooling himself. Maybe it was just lust, or a need to fix her. But the nagging feeling persisted - what if it was more?