Page 147 of Invisible Bars

“You look like trouble,” he murmured, then cleared his throat and looked away like he hadn’t meant to say that out loud.

I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling. My body was buzzing a little.

Maybe it was the lotion. Maybe it was him. Probably both.

Imanio ran a hand across his jaw, his eyes doing one last sweep.

“Aight. Let’s go, before I change the whole agenda.”

That made my heart do a weird thing.

“Change it h-how?” I asked, almost like I couldn’t help myself.

“Come on, Naji.”

Imanio didn’t repeat himself, so I just followed him through the hallway, still a little unsure but oddly excited. When we reached the room, he opened the door, and my mouth dropped open in surprise.

I didn’t know what I was expecting—but it wasn’tthat.

The theater room was dimly lit, with a soft golden glow emanating from strategically placed lights beneath the plush recliners. The recliners, upholstered in rich burgundy fabric,were arranged in a slight arc to face the enormous, curved screen, which dominated the front wall of the room.

On a side table, a lavish tray of snacks was laid out, showcasing an enticing array of treats—fluffy popcorn in glass bowls, chips in vibrant packaging, tangy sour gummies, M&M’s, and water bottles, each adorned with glass straws. Neatly folded blankets were also draped across the seats, enhancing the cozy, intimate atmosphere.

My gaze shifted to Imanio, who had a self-satisfied smirk on his face, clearly enjoying my reaction.

“Y-You didn’t do all this,” I said, half in disbelief.

“Nah, I had one of my employees do her thing,” he replied, a mischievous twinkle in his eye as he winked at me. “I just mentioned that I wanted it to feel like a real movie night. Guess she went all out for the premiere.”

A wave of warmth washed over me, and I was genuinely touched by the thoughtfulness behind it all—speechless, even, as I took in the incredible setup.

“You can sit wherever,” he added casually, plopping down in one of the middle recliners and tossing a blanket over his lap.

Of course, I took a seat next to him and wrapped myself in a fuzzy gray throw.

Imanio didn’t say anything; he just welcomed me.

As the opening credits rolled for the first movie, something familiar and creepy, I settled in—and for the first time in a while, I forgot how complicated my life was.

Halfway through the second movie, a jump scare hit hard. I shrieked, flailed—then somehow launched myself straight onto Imanio’s lap.

My hand pressed against his chest, his palm on my thigh.

We locked eyes. We were close… way too close.

Then I did something even I didn’t expect—I kissed him.

It was a quick, gentle moment, but there was a hunger in it that surprised us both. His lips were soft, warm against mine, sending a rush of electricity through me.

I pulled back suddenly, gasping as if I had just woken from a dream, my heart racing.

"I—sorry! I don’t… that just—get off my lips, demon!”

The words spilled from my mouth like a sharp slap, unexpected and raw. My fingers flexed nervously, fluttering against my chest as though they were trying to brush away a swarm of angry bees. My shoulder jerked once and then again—tight little stutters I couldn’t stop.

Imanio shook his head slowly, a thoughtful gesture rather than one of frustration.

“That wasn’t meant for you,” I rushed to explain, my voice still trembling with breathlessness. “It just happens sometimes, especially when my emotions become overwhelming—when everything gets... real.”