Page 69 of Anteros' Return

Being with her like this made it feel like no time had passed. We seemed to forget about where we were and what was happening. It was as if we were the only ones dancing. Like nobody else mattered,only us.

“Is it as you remember?” I questioned, pulling her body into mine as the music changed to a slow number.

“No.” She breathed as she rested her head against my shoulder. “It’s better.”

Our bodies moved in perfect synchronisation, swaying to the rhythm of the music that filled the space, and although we weren’t one yet, I knew at some point we would be. She was put on this earth to be mine just as I was hers, and no force in this world, or the next, would separate us again.

“Excuse me, you two.” Harry tapped my shoulder as he interrupted the moment we were lost in. “Sorry to get in the way, but I’m here for Liam and Ashton.”

“They’re outside playing rugby, I think.” I nodded my head in the direction of the garden, which Harry returned with a smile.

I didn’t know if he would ever approve of us again. I mean, he barely did all those years ago. The truth was, I didn’t care what he thought then, and I still didn’t now.

“Their stuff is at the front desk. Do you need a hand?” I asked before he made his way outside to find them.

“No, I’m good. You just take care of my sister.” He narrowed his eyes ever so slightly, as if in a warning, but even so, there was still some respect behind them towards me.

“I will. Always.” I turned my attention back to Em as she looked up at me through her raven lashes.

“Don’t say things you don’t mean, Beckett.” She sighed, her eyes remaining fixated on mine.

“Who said I didn’t mean it?” As I delicately brushed a stray curl over her shoulder, my fingertips brushed the soft skin of her neck. The contact was brief, but it felt like the world slowed for a heartbeat. A jolt of heat shot through my fingertips, spreading up my arm, like a spark igniting where our skin met. Her breath caught, and the tiny goosebumps that appeared on her skin seemed to mirror the charge between us.

“I don’t know, it’s just?—”

“Just nothing. Not tonight.” I pressed my lips gently against her forehead, a small yet meaningful gesture that never failed to make her smile. She would often compare it to the romantic gestures in old movies that she adored. Memories flooded back of us cuddled up on the sofa, watching classics, and sharing kisses. I used to say that our love was like those timeless romances. That we were unbreakable.

“Actually, there was something I wanted to ask you.” She gently bit on her lip whilst looking up at me. “Liam’s birthday is coming up on the 9th of April. I know it’s a few weeks away, but I had hoped you’d like to spend it with us.” Of course I knew his birthday was coming up. I saw it on his form at the football club.

“I’d love to.” Happiness exploded in my chest at the thought of spending Liam’s birthday with him, but no matter how happy I was, I couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that I had missed all of the others.

Em’s lips turned up into a smile. That alone helped push those thoughts aside for now.

The rest of the night we danced nonstop, and even though my ankle was aching a little and pissing me off, I never once stoppedbecause that would have meant distancing myself from Em. And I wasn’t prepared nor was I ready for that yet.

The reception wound down and most of the guests had already left, which meant Em and I would be heading upstairs soon. Nothing would happen. I didn’t expect it to. Sleeping beside her would be more than enough for me.

Well, that’s if she let me.

“Beck, I’m going to go up to bed.” She stood from her seat, placing her hand on my shoulder with a tired smile.

Wait a minute…

She called me Beck without hesitating.

“I’ll come up. There’s no point staying down here without you.”

“I think the guys are having a nightcap. Are you sure you don’t want to join?” she asked.

“I’d rather come up with you. Maybe we can put on one of those old romance movies you like.” I watched as her eyes lit up a little. The delight that radiated from her face was enough to know I made the right decision.

She turned on her heel, sashaying towards the exit as I followed behind until we reached the elevator.

“Can we order a pizza?” she whispered.

“We ate a few hours ago.” I chuckled, the ding of the elevator chiming beside us.

“But the portions were so small, I’m starving.” She stifled a giggle with her fingers pressed against her lips.

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