Page 92 of Boards & Betrayal

The sound of Tom's car pulling up outside sent another wave of nerves crashing through me. This was really happening.

Kara gave me one last encouraging smile before heading to the door to let him in. My hands trembled slightly as I grabbed my clutch and headed toward the door.

As I stepped out of my room, Tom stood waiting, his eyes widening as he took in my appearance. He looked incredibly handsome in his tailored black suit and crisp white shirt.

"Wow," he breathed when he saw me, his voice filled with awe.

I felt my cheeks flush under his gaze. "Hi," I managed to say, feeling suddenly shy.

He stepped forward, offering me his arm with a warm smile. "Maybe I should tell everyone to fuck off so I can fuck you in that dress."

"Hey, I'm right here," Kara muttered.

Tom ignored her. "Ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," I replied, linking my arm with his and feeling a rush of warmth at the contact.

We walked out together into the cool evening air. Tom opened the car door for me, his hand resting lightly on the edge of the frame. I slid into the passenger seat, smoothing out my dress as I settled in. He closed the door with a soft click, then rounded the car to get in on his side. The engine roared to life, and we began our journey.

I couldn't stop picking at the fabric of my dress, my fingers tracing invisible lines on the shimmering green material. Every time I glanced down, my heart raced a little faster.

"You scared?" Tom asked, glancing over at me while navigating through the quiet streets.

I nodded, unable to meet his eyes. "This is a big deal," I admitted. "I don't want to let you down."

Tom's expression shifted, and without warning, he pulled over to the side of the road. The sudden stop jolted me, and I looked at him in confusion.

"Don't say that," he said in a low voice, turning to face me fully.

"What?" I asked, feeling a knot form in my stomach.

He reached for my hand, his grip firm yet comforting. "Don't fucking think you could ever let me down," he said seriously, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that took my breath away.

I stared back at him, feeling the weight of his words sink in.

"Whatever happens," he continued, his voice unwavering. "You're it for me. You're mine. Got it? Don't fucking worry."

For the first time in what felt like forever, I actually believed him. The sincerity in his gaze and the strength in his words wrapped around me like a warm embrace. I nodded slowly, squeezing his hand back.

"Got it," I whispered.

Tom's lips curved into a small smile before he leaned over and kissed my forehead gently.

He slowly pulled back, his forehead resting against mine for a brief, tender moment. His hand slid to the back of my head, fingers threading through my hair with a gentle yet possessive grip. My breath caught in my throat as he tilted my head slightly, his eyes darkening with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine.

Then he pulled me in for a kiss—deep, sensual, and all-consuming. The world outside the car seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us suspended in this moment. His lips were warm and soft against mine, moving with a deliberate slowness that made every second stretch into eternity. It was a kiss that spoke volumes—of longing, of desire, and of something deeper that neither of us dared to name.

I melted into him, my hands finding their way to his shoulders for support. His other hand cupped my cheek, thumb brushing gently against my skin as if trying to memorize every detail. The sensation of his touch sent sparks of electricity through me, igniting a fire that had been smoldering for far too long.

As the kiss deepened, our breaths mingled and our movements became more urgent. My fingers curled into the fabric of his suit jacket, holding on as if he were my anchor in a stormy sea. His tongue brushed against mine, coaxing a soft moan from my lips that only seemed to fuel the intensity between us.

Every kiss I'd shared before this moment paled in comparison. This wasn't just physical—it was emotional, raw, and unrestrained. It was as if we were both pouring all our unspoken words and hidden feelings into this single act, hoping it would be enough to bridge the chasm between us.

Eventually, we broke apart, both of us breathing heavily. My heart pounded in my chest like a drum, echoing the tumultuous emotions swirling inside me.

"Tom," I whispered, barely able to find my voice.

His eyes met mine, filled with a tenderness that made my heart ache in the best way possible. "Yeah?"

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