(Lilac's POV)
This was it.
The air between us had thickened into something almost suffocating. The quiet hum of the night was all I could hear, and my heartbeat was pounding in my ears, echoing louder with every second that passed. Every movement felt like a delicate dance, and I was right on the edge, so close to the moment I had been waiting for.
Tom was leaning back on the bed now, his eyes half-lidded from the wine, his breath slow and heavy. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow from the bedside lamp casting long shadows across his face. He looked so vulnerable, so worn down from the grief that had consumed him for so long. And yet, there was something else in his eyes—something deeper. Something I could use.
I stood at the foot of the bed, watching him closely, my mind racing with thoughts of what to do next. I had to be careful, subtle. Every action had to be executed with precision. It wasn't enough to simply get him to the point of weakness; I needed to push him just far enough without turning him away.
I smiled softly, moving closer to the bed. "Tom, you're probably exhausted from the day," I said, my voice gentle and soothing. "I can help you get ready for bed. It's the least I can do after all the kindness you've shown me."
He looked up at me then, his gaze a bit more focused but still distant. "I… I think I've had a bit too much wine," he admitted, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "I just need to lie down."
I nodded, my heart thumping wildly as I moved to sit beside him. "I understand. Let me help you undress, so you can rest comfortably."
His eyes flickered with a brief hesitation, as though he wasn't sure whether he should accept my offer. But the alcohol had loosened him, and I could see the wariness in his eyes slowly giving way to something else. Something I recognized all too well: need.
"Okay," he muttered after a long pause, and I could tell that he wasn't fully aware of how much he was giving in to me. But it didn't matter. I had been planning for this. I could see it now—he needed someone to take care of him, to help him let go. He didn't know it yet, but he was about to surrender everything to me.
I reached for the buttons of his shirt, my fingers brushing lightly against his chest. His skin was warm under my touch, the slight tremble in his muscles telling me just how affected he was by the closeness. I slowly undid each button, moving deliberately, making sure I was close enough for him to feel the heat of my body but not so close that it would seem too forward.
I could feel his gaze on me, his eyes heavy, but he didn't stop me. Instead, he let me undress him, every layer falling away until he was left in nothing but his underwear. My breath caught in my throat as I allowed my eyes to take in the sight of his bare chest, the lean muscles and the faint lines of age that only made him more appealing to me.
I swallowed hard, my mind focused on my next move. I had to keep him calm, to make him feel safe with me, but at the same time, I needed to ignite something in him—something I knew had been buried under his grief. The time had come.
I placed my hands gently on his shoulders, guiding him back against the pillows. "You're so tired, Tom," I said softly, my voice low and intimate. "You deserve to sleep, but I can stay with you. I won't go anywhere."
He let out a soft sigh, his eyes flickering between me and the bed. "I don't know," he murmured, the uncertainty still present in his voice. "I don't want to make things awkward, Lilac."
I smiled, a slow, reassuring smile that I knew would melt his hesitation. "You won't. I just want to make sure you're comfortable. Let me stay. It's the least I can do."
Tom didn't respond immediately, but I could see the tension in his body start to relax. He was so close now, so close to finally surrendering. His hand rested on the bed next to him, fingers twitching as if he were considering reaching out to me, but still too unsure.
I took that as my cue. "It'll be nice to have someone close," I whispered, my voice barely a breath. "You don't have to be alone tonight."
For a moment, he just looked at me, his expression still weary, but there was something else in his eyes now. A shift. A change. The barriers he had built around himself were slowly crumbling, and I could feel his desire starting to outweigh his reservations.
"Okay," he finally said, his voice hoarse. "Stay."
I smiled to myself as I leaned in, my lips brushing gently against his cheek. The closeness between us was almost unbearable now, and every inch of me screamed to take the next step. But I had to hold back just a little longer.
I helped him settle into the bed, adjusting the covers around him. He was lying back now, and I could feel the heat radiating from his body. He was so close, so incredibly close to giving in.
"Let me just grab a glass of water for you," I said, standing up slowly, my hand lingering on the bed as I met his gaze one last time. "I'll be right back."
Tom nodded, but I could tell he wasn't really paying attention anymore. His eyes were half-closed, the alcohol taking its toll. He was on the brink of sleep, but I knew that as soon as I returned, I'd be able to make my move.
When I returned, the water glass in hand, I took a deep breath, steadying myself for what was about to happen. I didn't even have to say anything. As I walked back toward the bed, I noticed the shift in his posture. He was no longer leaning back—he was watching me, waiting.
I set the glass down on the nightstand, my body trembling slightly from the anticipation. I took a step closer, my hand brushing against his arm. And then, finally, I made my move.
"Let me stay," I whispered again, this time so close to him I could feel his breath on my skin. "I'll make sure you sleep well."
He didn't speak. He didn't have to. The way his eyes searched mine told me everything I needed to know. He was ready.
This was it. The moment of truth.
And I would not let it slip away.