Eternal Echoes of Love

Chapter 10 – The Promise in His Eyes

The morning sun painted golden streaks across Elias's penthouse, but Serena wasn't looking at the view outside. She was looking at the man beside her—the man who, despite everything, had somehow become impossible to resist.

Elias lay on his side, his head propped on his hand, watching her with an expression so unreadable yet so intense that it sent a shiver down her spine. His fingers traced light patterns on her arm, leaving trails of warmth in their wake.

"You're thinking too much," he murmured.

Serena sighed, turning her head slightly to meet his gaze. "Am I?"

He smirked, his eyes dark with something unreadable. "I can see it in your eyes. You're already trying to figure out how to convince yourself last night didn't mean anything."

Her breath hitched, because he was right.

Elias always saw through her.

She could have told him it was a mistake. She could have said it was just one night. But she couldn't lie to him.

Because even now, with her body still tangled in his sheets, she wasn't thinking about leaving. She was thinking about what would happen if she stayed.

Elias reached for her hand, his fingers sliding between hers effortlessly. "You don't have to run, Serena."

She swallowed hard. "I'm not running."

"No?" He pulled her closer, their bodies brushing beneath the silk covers. His breath was warm against her lips, teasing, but not quite closing the distance. "Then prove it."

Serena's heart pounded.

She could push him away. She could get up and leave.

But instead, she leaned in and kissed him.

And just like that, she was lost again.

---

A Slow-Burning Fire

Elias kissed her as if he had all the time in the world—slowly, deeply, like he was memorizing her. His lips moved against hers with an aching tenderness, a contrast to the fire that burned between them.

His hands slid down her back, pulling her flush against him. Serena's fingers found their way into his hair, gripping, anchoring herself to the moment.

This wasn't supposed to feel like this.

It wasn't supposed to feel like home.

Elias broke the kiss just long enough to whisper against her lips, "Stay."

Serena's breath was uneven. "For how long?"

His thumb brushed over her lower lip, his gaze dark with something she didn't dare name. "As long as you'll let me have you."

Her heart clenched at his words, because for the first time, she realized the truth—Elias wasn't just playing a game.

This wasn't just about winning or proving a point.

This was real.

And that terrified her more than anything.

---

Breakfast and Stolen Glances

An hour later, Serena sat on one of the barstools in Elias's kitchen, wearing nothing but his oversized white dress shirt. The scent of fresh coffee filled the air, mingling with the warmth of the morning sunlight.

Elias stood by the stove, flipping pancakes with a casual confidence that made her smile.

"You cook?" she teased, sipping her coffee.

He smirked. "Don't sound so surprised. I'm full of hidden talents."

Serena raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And how many women have been lucky enough to witness this particular talent?"

Elias chuckled, plating the pancakes before setting them in front of her. He leaned on the counter, his eyes locked onto hers. "You're the first."

She rolled her eyes, though her heart stuttered in her chest. "Liar."

"I swear," he said, his voice softer now. "I've never done this before."

Serena hesitated, suddenly aware of how intimate this moment was.

This wasn't just passion.

This was something deeper.

Something dangerous.

Elias must have sensed her hesitation because he reached for her hand across the counter, his thumb brushing lightly over her knuckles. "Stay today. No thinking. No overanalyzing. Just us."

Serena stared at him, her walls wavering.

Just one day.

One day where she didn't have to fight this.

"Okay," she whispered.

Elias smiled.

And just like that, she was his again.

---

A Day That Felt Like Forever

The hours melted away in a blur of laughter, teasing touches, and stolen kisses.

Elias took her out onto the rooftop terrace, where they sat by the infinity pool, their legs dangling over the edge as they watched the city move beneath them.

Serena leaned back on her hands, tilting her face up to the sky. "I don't remember the last time I did this."

"Did what?"

"Nothing." She turned to him, a small smile playing on her lips. "Just… exist."

Elias's expression softened. "You work too much."

She shrugged. "So do you."

He studied her for a long moment before reaching for her hand. "Then maybe we should learn to slow down. Together."

Serena's breath caught.

Together.

The word felt too big. Too real.

And yet, she didn't pull away.

Instead, she squeezed his hand and whispered, "Maybe."

Elias grinned, and the sight of it sent warmth flooding through her chest.

She was in trouble.

Because for the first time in years… she didn't want to walk away.

---

A Night to Remember

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the sky, Elias pulled Serena into his arms, swaying to music only they could hear.

They danced on the rooftop, the city twinkling around them, lost in each other.

Serena rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. "I could get used to this," she admitted quietly.

Elias's arms tightened around her. "Then do."

She lifted her head to look at him. "Elias…"

He cupped her face gently, his thumb tracing her cheek. "I know what you're afraid of, Serena. But I'm not going anywhere."

Her eyes burned. "Don't make promises you can't keep."

Elias leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead before whispering against her skin, "I don't break my promises."

And as he kissed her again, Serena realized something.

She wanted to believe him.

She wanted to believe that, just maybe, this could be more than just a fleeting moment.

That maybe—just maybe—Elias Carter was the one person who could make her believe in love again.

To be continued....