Eternal Echoes of Love

Chapter 12 – A Love That Feels Unstoppable

The world outside didn't matter.

Not when Serena was here, wrapped in Elias's arms, swaying under the endless sky.

The rooftop lights cast a soft golden glow around them, but the real warmth came from the way Elias held her—like she was something precious, something he wasn't willing to let go.

She rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

For once, she wasn't thinking about tomorrow.

She wasn't questioning what this meant.

She was just… here.

With him.

And it felt right in a way she couldn't explain.

"You're quiet," Elias murmured, his fingers tracing slow circles on her back.

Serena exhaled softly. "I don't want to ruin this."

Elias chuckled, the sound vibrating against her cheek. "Then don't."

She smiled, closing her eyes, letting herself sink into the moment.

But then Elias did something that made her heart stop—

He tilted her chin up, his eyes burning into hers, and whispered, "Come away with me."

Serena blinked. "What?"

Elias's thumb brushed against her lower lip. "Just for a weekend. Just us. No work, no distractions. Just this."

Her heart pounded.

She should say no.

She should.

But instead, she found herself whispering, "Okay."

And when Elias kissed her—deep, slow, filled with something that felt too close to love—she knew she had just crossed a line she could never uncross.

---

A Getaway Meant for Two

The next morning, Serena found herself sitting beside Elias in the backseat of his private car, their fingers intertwined as the city disappeared behind them.

She wasn't sure when she had made the decision to actually go.

Maybe it was the way Elias had looked at her—like she was the only thing he wanted.

Maybe it was the way he had whispered her name in the dark, his voice rough with sleep and something deeper.

Or maybe, just maybe, she was tired of fighting this.

Elias squeezed her hand. "You look like you're overthinking again."

Serena rolled her eyes. "Maybe I like thinking."

Elias smirked. "Or maybe you're just scared of how much you want this."

Her stomach tightened.

Because he was right.

She did want this.

Too much.

But instead of admitting it, she turned to look out the window, watching as the skyline faded into open roads and endless blue skies.

For the first time in a long time, she felt like she could breathe.

---

A Cabin, a Fire, and a Love That Burned Brighter

Elias's idea of a 'weekend getaway' was a secluded, luxurious cabin nestled deep in the mountains. Floor-to-ceiling windows, a roaring fireplace, and a view that stole her breath.

"This is…" Serena trailed off, stepping inside, her eyes taking in the warm wooden walls and the oversized bed in the corner.

Elias smirked. "Perfect?"

She shot him a look. "I was going to say excessive."

Elias chuckled, wrapping his arms around her from behind. "Excessive is my specialty."

Serena sighed, but she leaned into him, letting his warmth seep into her.

And then Elias did something that made her pulse race—

He kissed the side of her neck, slow and deliberate, his lips lingering just long enough to leave her breathless.

Serena's fingers tightened around his wrists. "Elias—"

"Shh," he murmured against her skin. "Just be here with me."

And for once, she didn't argue.

She turned in his arms, tilting her face up to his, and let herself fall all over again.

---

Love, Laughter, and Something That Felt Like Forever

The day passed in a blur of stolen kisses and quiet moments.

They cooked dinner together—Serena chopping vegetables while Elias insisted on distracting her by trailing his fingers up and down her spine.

They played chess in front of the fire—Elias winning, of course, until Serena decided that kissing him was the best way to break his focus.

And when night fell, they found themselves wrapped up in each other, bodies tangled beneath the sheets, breaths mingling in the dark.

Elias traced his fingers over her bare shoulder. "Tell me something real."

Serena swallowed, her heart hammering against her ribs.

She could lie.

She could deflect.

But instead, she whispered, "I don't know how to be loved."

Elias stilled.

Then, slowly, he reached for her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm.

"You're learning."

Serena closed her eyes, her chest tightening.

And maybe, just maybe, he was right.

---

A Morning That Felt Like a Dream

Serena woke to the sound of rain pattering against the window.

She stretched, her body still deliciously sore from the night before.

Elias was already awake, propped up on one elbow, watching her with a soft, lazy smile.

"Morning," he murmured.

Serena smirked. "Were you watching me sleep? Because that's creepy."

Elias chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I was just wondering how I got this lucky."

Serena's breath caught.

Because this wasn't just a flirtatious remark.

It wasn't just Elias trying to charm her.

It was real.

And that terrified her.

But instead of running, instead of pulling away, she leaned in and kissed him—slow, deep, savoring every second.

Elias groaned against her lips, rolling her beneath him, his hands trailing down her sides.

"Serena," he murmured, his voice rough with something that made her shiver.

"What?" she whispered.

Elias exhaled, his forehead resting against hers. "I think I'm falling for you."

Serena's heart stopped.

She should panic.

She should say something to break the moment.

But instead, she reached up, cupping his face, and whispered, "Then don't stop."

And when Elias kissed her again, she knew—

Neither of them were walking away from this.

Not anymore.

To be continued....