Page 43

"The truth. Whatever it is."

"The truth." Serena's laugh held no humor. "The truth is that in eight days, I'm leaving. I'm returning to New York, to a board that's questioning my leadership, to a company I've spent fifteen years building, to a life that has no space for... this."

The words landed like stones, heavy with the reality they'd both been trying to navigate.

"And that scares you," Lila said softly. It wasn't a question.

"It doesn't matter if it scares me. It's reality."

"It matters to me." Lila stepped closer, close enough to see the subtle tension in Serena's jaw, the careful control in her expression. "Your feelings matter to me."

"And yours to me," Serena admitted, the words sounding almost wrenched from her. "Which is precisely the problem."

"Why is that a problem?"

"Because I don't have anything to offer you beyond these days. Because whatever this is between us has an expiration date we can't ignore." Serena's voice tightened. "Because I'm afraid of hurting you. Of being another Sophie."

The admission—honest and raw—touched Lila deeply. This wasn't rejection; it was protection. Misguided, perhaps, but coming from concern rather than coldness.

"I'm not afraid of being hurt," Lila said, reaching for Serena's hand. "I'm afraid of never really living because I'm too scared of pain."

"That's very poetic, but?—"

"It's my truth," Lila interrupted gently. "I know you're leaving. I know this is temporary. But right now, you're here. I'm here. And what's between us feels real."

The waves continued their endless rhythm against the shore as Serena struggled visibly with herself. When she finally spoke, her voice had lost its defensive edge.

"It does feel real," she admitted. "Frighteningly so."

"Then be here with me," Lila said, stepping closer until their bodies nearly touched. "Not in New York, not in the future, not in the past. Just here. Now."

The tension between them shifted, transforming from distance to another kind of energy entirely. Serena's eyes darkened as they dropped to Lila's lips.

"I don't want to talk anymore," she said, her voice low and decisive.

Before Lila could respond, Serena closed the remaining space between them, capturing her mouth in a kiss that held none of the gentleness of their earlier exchanges. This was hunger and heat, control reasserted through physical connection rather than emotional withdrawal.

Lila responded instantly, her body remembering the night before, wanting more despite the conversation left unfinished between them. Serena's hands tangled in her hair, drawing her head back to deepen the kiss, an unmistakable assertion of dominance that sent heat spiraling through Lila's core.

This was Serena reclaiming safe ground—physical desire instead of emotional vulnerability. Lila recognized the deflection for what it was, even as her body arched into the touch, craving the connection regardless of its motivation.

As Serena's mouth moved to her neck, teeth grazing sensitive skin, Lila knew they were leaving important things unsaid. But with those hands moving across her body with such certainty, with the night wrapping around them like a private cocoon, she couldn't bring herself to pull away.

Serena’s hand cupped Lila’s cheek, her thumb tracing a line along her jaw before tilting her head back.

Serena's lips met hers in another searing kiss, their tongues dancing together in a familiar rhythm.

Lila's hands found their way to Serena's hips, pulling her closer, wanting to feel the heat of her body against her own.

Serena's hands roamed over Lila's body, her touch firm and demanding.

She nipped at Lila's lower lip, her teeth grazing the sensitive skin, leaving a lingering sting.

Lila gasped, her breath hitching as Serena's hand slipped under her shirt, her fingers finding the clasp of Lila's bra.

With a flick, it was undone, and Lila's breasts spilled out, the cool night air causing her nipples to harden.

Serena's mouth left Lila's, trailing a line of kisses down her neck, over her collarbone, and down to her breasts.

She took one nipple into her mouth, sucking and biting, while her hand teased the other.

Lila moaned, her fingers tangling in Serena's silvery hair, holding her close.

She could feel the wetness pooling between her legs, her body responding to Serena's touch.

Serena's hand slipped under Lila's skirt, her fingers tracing the line of her panties.

Lila could feel her heart pounding in her chest, her breath coming in short gasps.

She knew where this was going, and she wanted it.

All of it. She wanted Serena to take control and sweep her away, to make her forget about everything else.

Serena's fingers slipped under the fabric, finding Lila's wetness.

She teased her entrance, her fingers circling and pressing, but never quite entering.

Just teasing. Lila squirmed, her hips bucking, trying to get more friction.

But Serena was in control, and she wasn't going to give Lila what she wanted just yet.

With a wicked smile, Serena pulled her hand away, leaving Lila panting and desperate. She took a step back, her eyes never leaving Lila's. "On your knees," she commanded, her voice low and husky. Lila didn't hesitate, dropping to her knees in the sand.

Serena's pants were already undone, the fabric pooling around her ankles. Lila could see the wetness glistening on her thighs, the scent of her arousal filling the air. She leaned forward, her tongue darting out to taste Serena. Serena moaned, her hand tangling in Lila's hair, guiding her closer.

Lila's tongue explored Serena's folds, savoring her sweet taste, teasing her.

She could feel Serena's body trembling, her breath coming in short gasps.

She knew she was close, and she wanted to push her over the edge.

Lila's fingers found Serena's entrance, sliding in easily, the wetness coating them.

She curled her fingers, finding the spot that made Serena cry out.

Serena's body tensed, her fingers tightening in Lila's hair. "Fuck, Lila," she gasped, her body shuddering as she came. Lila kept going, her tongue and fingers working together to draw out Serena's orgasm.

When Serena finally pulled away, her body limp and sated, Lila looked up at her, her own body still desperate for release. Serena's gaze was soft, her hand cupping Lila's cheek once more. "Your turn," she whispered, her thumb tracing Lila's swollen lips.

Lila's heart raced as Serena helped her to her feet, her hands roaming over Lila's body, undressing her slowly. She felt exposed, vulnerable, but also safe. She knew that Serena would take care of her and give her what she needed, even if only for right now.

Serena's fingers found Lila's wetness once more, slipping inside her easily. Lila gasped, her body arching into the touch. Serena's thumb found her clit, rubbing circles that had Lila seeing stars. She could feel the orgasm building, her body tensing, desperate for release.

With a final flick of her thumb, Serena sent Lila over the edge. She cried out, her body shuddering as the orgasm washed over her. Serena held her close, her fingers still buried inside Lila, drawing out her orgasm until she was limp and sated.

Tomorrow, they could talk about their growing connection. Tonight, it was about the sensations of bonding more than the words.