Forbidden Love novel Chapter 9

It was past one in the morning. Eli and I had still not slept, nor was he planning to leave. We were both laughing hysterically on my bed about literally nothing. In the time he was here, we ordered even more food and I was sure I’d explode since I ate so much. He was still wearing his clothes from earlier: gray sweatpants and a black shirt.

He looks like he belongs to the streets, I thought, laughing a bit. He’s for the streets.

“Why are you laughing?” Eli asked, turning to me.

I giggled. “What you’re wearing -” I tried explaining “- it looks like you’re meant for the streets.” He laughed, eyes lightening up as he stared at my eyes. He makes me feel like the funniest person on earth.

We sat in silence for a few seconds before he spoke up. “I wasn’t going to say anything, but I feel like I have to ask. Who’s Liam to you?”

I sighed. I knew we were going to talk about this, so I didn’t really mind much.

“Liam’s my best friend and ex-boyfriend. We dated for a year before we realized that we were better off as friends. He was there for me when I was at my lowest points. He’s family, Eli. And nothing will happen between me and him. Alright?” I asked slowly.

He nodded. “I understand. I didn’t want to come off as mean or anything - I just really like you a lot. I’m not a controlling person, you can hang out with whoever you want whenever you want, I just want to make sure you’re loyal, you know?”

This is what I mean when I say he’s perfect. But why is it getting on my nerves so much? I’m supposed to be happy yet…I’m not? I have to ask -

“Why do you act perfect? You have nothing bad about you. Why is that?” I asked before thinking.

He looked stunned and opened his mouth and closed it like a fish. It was a bit funny. I had to remind myself it’s a serious conversation.

“I’m not perfect. I’m far from it, actually. I have a lot of flaws. I just learn to hide them. I own a business, as you know, so it comes with certain consequences, if you will. I’m sorry if you see me as Mr. Perfect.”

“Oh,” I said dumbfoundedly. “It keeps passing my mind that you are a CEO. A successful one, too. Sorry for the way it came out. I don’t see you as just Mr. Perfect. I see a lot of things,” I told him, smirking at the last part.

He smirked back. “What do you see?” He moved closer, making my heart flutter.

“You’re handsome, smart, funny…did I say handsome? Like, you’re really hot.”

He laughed, and God did I love his laugh. It was deep and just so smooth and hot. Then, he cupped my cheeks in both of his hands. His breath was fanning my face. Butterflies erupted from my stomach to my chest. My heart skipped a beat.

I stared at his deep brown eyes and I began gently playing with his hair. I subconsciously bit my lip.