James's P. O. V.
Not even waiting for me to finish my sentence, Selena hugs me with happiness when I grant her permission to go on the college trip.
At first, I freeze at the unexpected contact, but then I automatically embrace her. The moment her small body fits perfectly into my arms, I feel completeness I've never felt before. The way her body presses against mine ignites a fire inside me.
And I'm losing myself in the intoxicating scent of her hair. It smells so damn good. I don't know why everything about her drives me insane.
It's been almost two weeks since she started living in my house. It's so hard to control my desire every time I see her. She is so tempting, and there's something about her that draws me toward her. I can't resist this woman. The burning desire to fuck her and taste every inch of her body is driving me crazy.
But I have to control myself. No matter what, I can't force her. I have my ways to control and make women do what I want, but I can't do the same with her. She's my friend's daughter, and that's why I'm holding back. But the restraint is killing me, and it's so damn frustrating.
However, seeing her so happy, my heart warms in a way I didn't think was possible. At this moment, I make a silent promise to myself that I'll do anything to keep her smiling like this. She holds a place in my heart that no one else has ever managed to reach, and I would go to any lengths to protect her and her joy.
I'm tempted to hold her tighter, to keep her close, and to lose myself in the fragrance of her hair. But before I can, she pulls away, leaving my arms feeling empty and cold. It's as if the world shifts back to grey after being bathed in warm light for just a moment.
I clench my fists to keep myself from pulling her back into my arms, where I desperately want her to stay.
She avoids my gaze, embarrassed. Her cheeks are flushed, and she looks everywhere but at me. That shyness of hers-it drives me crazy.
She looks adorable. I can't stop the small smile spreading across my face.
"But there's one condition." As I tell her, her smile disappears. And I already miss it.
Her face falls, and I instantly regret my words. The happiness that lit up her features dims. I hate seeing that look on her face, but this condition is for her safety-it's non-negotiable.
"What condition?"
"I'll come with you on the trip."
Her eyes widen in disbelief at my words. "What? It's a college trip, Mr. Luther!"
"Don't worry, I'll talk to your college dean about it," I reply in a firm tone, leaving no room for argument.
She sighs but nods. "Okay. At least you're letting me go."
She turns to leave, but then pauses before spinning back around to face me. There's that hopeful look in her eyes again, and I already know I won't be able to deny her, no matter what she asks.
"Can I go shopping for the trip? Please?" She asks, looking at me with pleading eyes.
"You can," I reply, "but only with guards."
Her face lights up, and she nods eagerly. "Okay, done."
With that, she rushes out of the room, leaving me standing there, watching her go. I shake my head, chuckling.
What is this little girl doing to me?
***
The next evening, we stand outside the college bus, waiting for the trip organiser to finish his instructions. My eyes are glued to Selena.
Although she is dressed up casually today for the travelling, different from usual days, she still looks breathtaking. Her hair is tied in a loose, messy bun with soft strands framing her face. Dressed up in a simple white top and rugged jeans with a headband, she looks so fucking beautiful that I want to eat her up right now.
She's glowing with excitement and the smile isn't leaving her face. It's heartwarming, really, to see her so happy over something as simple as a trip. She finds joy in the smallest things, and that thing about her is something I admire deeply.
She's laughing and talking with her friends. "Guys, this is our first trip together. Wow!" She hugs them tightly.
One of her classmates looks my way with a curious expression on her face. "Is he really your Dad's friend, Selena? He looks more like a young guy." She asks Selena, and I roll my eyes at her obvious attempt to flirt.
Selena ignores her question and keeps talking to her friends.
Eventually, everyone boards the bus. Selena's friends pair up with their boyfriends, leaving her to sit alone. I can see the flash of disappointment on her face, so I immediately take the seat next to her.
She looks surprised but doesn't say anything. The bus starts moving, and she stares out the window with a smile on her face as the wind tousles her hair. My lips curve up as I admire her. She looks peaceful and content.
"This is my first college trip," she initiates the conversation, turning to face me. "And it's all because of you. Thank you again."
I tilt my head. "Why? You've never been on a trip before?"
She shakes her head. "No. Dad never allowed me. He was always worried about my safety, and he couldn't come with me like you're doing now. He's always so busy."
Her voice holds a tinge of sadness, and I feel a pang in my heart. I hate that she's missed out on so much because of other people's fears. I want to make up for every experience she's been denied, to give her the freedom and joy she deserves.
Before I can respond, her friend Zoe appears, holding a tray of muffins. "Want one?" she offers us, smiling.
Selena's face lights up as she eagerly takes one. "These look amazing, Zoe! You're so good at baking!"
She takes a bite, and my eyes are immediately drawn to her lips. The way she licks a bit of chocolate off the corner of her mouth is unintentionally seductive, and it takes every ounce of self-control I have not to lean over and taste her lips right now.
Zoe leaves after giving her the tray, and Selena continues eating, oblivious to the effect she's having on me.
She notices me watching and holds the tray out to me. "Are you sure you don't want one? They're really good."
I shake my head, smiling. "No, thanks."
She shrugs and takes another bite, completely engrossed in the muffin, and I'm lost in her.
Fuck! What is wrong with me?
"Selena." I point to the corner of her mouth. "You've got chocolate there."
"Here?" she asks, wiping the wrong side of her lips.
I shake my head. "No."
Without thinking, I lift my hand and brush my thumb over her lips, wiping away the chocolate. Her body stiffens at my touch.
Her eyes widen as I lift my thumb to my lips and suck the chocolate off. My intense gaze is locked on hers.
"I've never liked chocolate much. But this time, it tastes different. Must be because it touched your lips." I smirk, fixing my eyes filled with mischief on her.
Her cheeks flush a deep red, and she quickly looks away. She looks so endearing.
After leaning closer, I whisper in her ear, "You have no idea how badly I want to kiss your plump lips, Little Miss."
Her eyes flick to my mouth, and she bites her lower lip, as though she wants to kiss me just as much as I want to kiss her.
"Don't do that," I warn, brushing her lip with my thumb. "If you keep biting your lips, I won't be able to stop myself from kissing you right here, in front of everyone."
Her wide eyes dart around, checking to see if anyone's paying attention. "Please stop, Mr. Luther. Someone might hear you."
"No one's watching," I reply, smirking.
She rolls her eyes. "You're impossible."
After looking out of the window, she continues eating the muffins, and I can't stop myself from staring at her lips.
I want to kiss them so badly. And I'll have them anyhow.
***
The bus stops at a restaurant for dinner.
After the meal, I pull Selena into a quiet corner, away from everyone. Without waiting for a second, I pin her against the wall, grabbing her waist. I press my lips to hers, finally giving in to the desire I've been fighting all day.
Fuck! These lips, I want to have them forever.
The kiss is deep, intense, and everything I've been craving.
My hand grabs her neck as I deepen the kiss, and she wraps her hands around my neck, clenching my hair, rolling her tongue in my mouth, fighting for dominance, but I don't let her.
I suck her tongue inside her mouth and explore every corner of her mouth, gripping her neck and waist tightly. I devour her lips, going crazy. God! They are becoming my addiction.
I'm so damn hard that I want to claim her as mine right now.
But I need to stop because I know that if I continue, I'll completely lose control of myself.
So I pull back immediately although I wanted to keep kissing her till infinity. Both of us are breathless, our eyes fixed on each other's.
I brush my thumb over her swollen lips as I whisper, "I get what I want, Selena. Always."
Her body shivers at my words, but she quickly pushes me away, glancing nervously around before running off, her face bright red.
I watch her retreating figure with a smile on my face.
What is this girl doing to me? She's completely unravelling me, and for the first time in years, I don't care.