Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 93

Standing in front of Suite 1808 at The Grand Regency, an unspeakable sense of absurdity washed over Willa.

After everything, she had somehow ended up right back here.

The last time, she had recklessly called Randal a lunatic. This time, she didn't even have the right to say no.

The door clicked open, but Willa remained planted in the hallway, unable to take a single step.

"It's not too late to back out."

Randal waited a few seconds, an unreadable smirk touching the corners of his lips.

She couldn't read him, but she also knew she was completely out of options.

He walked over to the window, turning his back to her. Pulling out a lighter, he ignited the cigarette he had been clutching the entire ride.

Wreathed in smoke, his expression was obscured. All she could sense was the lonely, stubborn rigidness of his posture, hiding an emotion he refused to acknowledge.

He crushed the cigarette and turned around, his voice low. "Willa, come here."

He hadn't made any threats, but extreme anxiety made her shudder, keeping her frozen in place.

He took a few strides and stopped right in front of her. The heavy scent of tobacco instantly filled her senses, catching her breath.

Her instinct screamed to retreat, but she forced herself to stand her ground.

He gripped her chin, forcing her to look up at him. "You know exactly what stepping into this room means, don't you?"

Willa nodded, her body as taut as a bowstring.

"Then do it yourself."

She blinked, reaching up with trembling hands to unbutton his dress shirt. Whether it was nerves or something else entirely, she fumbled with the very first button for what felt like an eternity.

Randal suddenly seized her wrists. He looked down at her, his chest heaving as if something wild was about to tear its way out.

"Willa, have there been others these past five years?"

Willa froze, unsure of what he was implying.

Did he think she was tainted?

"I have clean medical records."

Randal's breathing hitched violently.

Willa's chest tightened, and her tears flowed even faster.

Suddenly, his demeanor softened. He bent his head, kissing away the moisture at the corners of her eyes, his voice remarkably hoarse. "You owe me more than you could ever repay in a lifetime."

Her eyelashes fluttered, completely at a loss for words.

He lowered his head and captured her lips once more.

But this time, the kiss was impossibly tender.

Just like that summer eight years ago, when he first leaned in—awkward and careful.

He had said, Willa, I want to kiss you.

The uninvited memory slammed into her, shattering her resolve.

In that moment, she realized with striking clarity that she had never truly escaped him.

Willa closed her eyes, stood on her tiptoes, and actively deepened the kiss.

Randal's breathing instantly grew heavy. The hand gripping her waist tightened securely, pulling her so flush against him they were practically molded together.