To Sin. To Moan. To Feel. のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 81 - チャプター 90

Chloe's POV. There was something particularly cruel about waking up on your birthday only to feel more alone than ever. I’d always romanticized birthdays as a kid... cake in the morning, too many messages to count, laughter that made my cheeks hurt. But reality wasn’t so kind.The sun was already up and shining by the time I peeled myself off the sheets. I hadn’t showered. I hadn’t eaten. I hadn’t even replied to the handful of birthday texts that felt more like reminders of who wasn’t reaching out.No call from Hayes. No video message. No surprise flowers.Nothing.He was on a business trip, yes, and he’d texted me a short “Happy birthday, babe" at exactly 12:01 AM. But that was it. No warmth. No depth. No real effort.And maybe that was what stung the most.I was twenty four today. I thought I’d feel more… alive. But the only thing I felt was heavy. Like something inside me had been quietly deflating since morning.Lying on my side, I stared at the wall across my bedroom, watching

Chloe's POVI could feel my heart kicking hard against my chest as we pulled up in front of my apartment. I didn’t want the evening to end. I didn’t want to get out of the car. And I sure as hell didn’t want to go back to my quiet, lonely room and replay the entire date in my head like a lovesick fool.But there I was... seated quietly in Hardin’s car, the engine purring beneath us, matching the low hum of tension that had been rising between us all evening. He put off the engine, and for a moment, neither of us moved.His hand casually rested on the steering wheel, while his other arm draped over the leather. I could feel his gaze on me even though I kept my eyes forward.“I hope tonight made up for… you being alone earlier,” he said softly. His voice had a gravelly warmth to it that sent a ripple down my spine.I smiled, unable to stop the blush rising to my cheeks. “It did. You made my birthday... more special than I ever imagined.”“Good.” He leaned a little closer, the scent of h

Chloe's POV.His lips were on mine before my thoughts could even catch up.Everything that had been bottled up inside me.. the guilt, the longing, the confusion, the aching want, came undone the moment I crashed into him. I had ran into his arms like my body had decided long before my brain could. Hardin held me with such desperation, such ferocity, that I knew… he’d been waiting. Just like I had.And now? We couldn’t pretend anymore.His hands cupped my face, thumbs brushing against my cheeks like I was the most precious thing he’d ever held. His mouth moved hungrily against mine, a low groan escaping his throat as I kissed him back with everything in me.“God, Chloe…” he murmured against my lips, his breath hot. “You have no idea what you do to me.”I didn’t respond... not with words. I didn’t need to. My arms were already around his neck, my fingers tangled in his thick dark hair, tugging him closer as our mouths fought for dominance. It wasn’t just a kiss. It was an unraveling. A

Chloe's POV. I woke up slowly, the warm sun filtering through my curtains. For a moment, everything felt like a dream. a very sinful, dangerously delicious dream. But then I felt them.Arms. Strong ones.Wrapped around my waist.Hardin.My heart skipped, fluttered, then practically leaped out of my chest.My entire body stiffened as the events of last night came rushing back like waves crashing against a trembling shore. His lips on mine. His hands all over my body. The way he said my name like it was a prayer and a curse all at once. The way he thrusted into me. The sounds I made. The way I begged for more. And how he gave… more.God.I was suddenly burning again.I didn’t move at first. I didn’t want to wake him. I needed a minute... or ten, to process what I’d done, what we’d done. What I willingly, achingly, desperately let happen.Slowly, I peeled myself from his grip and sat up, the sheet slipping off me slightly. I clutched it against my chest, though there was really no point

Chloe’s POV. The food smelled absolutely divine. I didn’t know what exactly Hardin had whipped up, but the aroma was warm and spicy, laced with scents that made my stomach flutter more with anticipation than hunger. He carried the plates with pride, grinning like he knew he was about to serve the best thing I could ever eat. "Careful," I said teasingly as he almost knocked a fork off the edge of the table, setting down one plate in front of me. "We wouldn’t want the presentation to be ruined, chef." Hardin smirked as he slid into the seat beside me... not across, no, he chose beside. Of course he did. “Oh, I don’t worry about presentation, sweetheart. I make sure the flavor leaves people speechless.” He winked and leaned his elbow on the table, watching me expectantly. “Taste it. Tell me I’m wrong.” I smiled as I picked up the fork and dug into the creamy pasta. The first bite had me humming instantly. “Mmm… okay, wow. You might be onto something.” His smirk stretched wider