Kimberly's POV
As I turned around, I noticed the man standing before me looked strikingly like Brad Pitt in his thirties.
He had an androgynous look that made him stand out, and his skin looked kissed by the sun, radiating warmth and energy.
His cheekbones were sharp, like mountain peaks, and his gaze, bright and captivating, drew me in like lodestars. They sparkled like two blue gems against fresh snow, mesmerizing me completely.
"Can I help you?" I asked, my eyes glued to his.
He smiled, his expression warm and inviting. "I'm just someone who admires you a lot."
I blinked, taken aback. "You admire me?"
He nodded. "Yes. If you don't mind, I'd like to keep you company tonight."
I hesitated. "Thanks, but… I think I'd prefer to be alone." I didn't want to seem too eager, to give him the impression I was easy to sway.
He chuckled, his white, sharp teeth gleaming. "Your eyes say otherwise."
I froze, caught off guard. Had he seen right through me? I forced a small, nervous smile.
Just as I was about to say something, he suddenly grabbed my wrist, pulling me close against the basement door. His right hand covered my mouth.
"Shh… someone's coming," he whispered.
My heart raced as I breathed in his scent—rich, elegant, intoxicating. I wanted to stay in his arms forever, feeling safe and warm.
After a few tense moments, he released me and stepped back.
"Sorry," he said, returning his hands into his pant pockets. "I didn't mean to startle you. I just didn't want us to get caught."
"It's okay, I get it."
I wanted to say that I wouldn't have minded staying in his arms longer, but instead, I nodded.
He smiled. "So, are we staying out here all night?"
"What do you mean?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Aren't we going inside?" He gestured towards the basement door.
"Oh," I mumbled, quickly opening the door and ushering him inside.
I was doing all that without hesitation and not knowing what was pushing me. But deep down inside, a part of me wanted to be with him.
Once we were in, I locked the door behind us.
He looked around, his eyes wide with wonder. "This place is amazing."
I shrugged, feeling shy. I had decorated the basement myself, but I hadn't thought much of it. It was just a place for me to be alone.
He sat down next to me, close enough that our shoulders brushed.
"Shall we get started?"
I stared at him, confused. "Get started with what?"
He laughed softly, pointing at the wine bottle in my hand. "With the wine, of course."
I relaxed, feeling silly for overthinking.
"Right, the wine." I placed the bottle on the ground, suddenly aware of how my nerves were getting the best of me.
He poured a bit into a single glass. I took the first sip, the wine burning slightly as it went down my throat. He watched me carefully, his eyes filled with concern.
"You okay, Kimberly?" he asked, touching my arm gently.
I waved him off, trying to play it cool. "I'm fine. It's just strong." I paused, then asked, "By the way, how do you know my name?"
He grinned. "I told you... I'm your secret admirer. Of course I know your name."
"But who are you? You don't sound like you're from around here."
"I'm not," he admitted. "I came all the way from another city just to meet you."
"Why?" I blurted out. "Why me?"
"Because I like you." His tone was sincere, almost tender.
I nearly dropped the glass. "You… like me?" I repeated, stunned.
"Yes," he said softly. "I've liked you for a long time."
My heart pounded in my chest. I had never imagined someone so perfect would say something like that to me.
His eyes softened. "I was there when Alpha Derrick rejected you. I saw it all."
The mention of Derrick brought a fresh sting to my heart. I looked away, swallowing the pain.
"I'd rather not talk about it."
He nodded. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring it up."
I took a deep breath. "Tonight, I just want to forget everything. I want to have fun."
His smile returned. "I can help with that."
"How?" I challenged, my eyes meeting his.
"By showing you how amazing you are," he whispered, leaning in close.
Before I could react, his lips were on mine, soft and warm. I froze, my mind blank but I didn't push him away.
Maybe it's because of the alcohol...
His kiss was gentle, but it sent a jolt of electricity through me, making me feel alive in a way I hadn't felt in a long time.
He pulled back, his voice low and teasing. "I'm in control tonight. Just trust me, and I'll give to you feelings that you've never had before."
I stared at him, speechless. Part of me wanted to push him away, to say this was all too much, too fast. But another part, the part that was hurt and longing, wanted to surrender to the moment.
Finally I nodded, and he smiled. He took his time, undressing me carefully, as if unwrapping a precious gift.
His hands were soft but firm, exploring my body in ways that made me shiver.
"Don't be afraid," he whispered, his breath hot against my skin. "Just feel."
I closed my eyes, letting go of all the fears and doubts. In that dimly lit basement, with nothing but the soft hum of the city outside, I let myself fall into him.
His touch was both a comfort and a thrill, a mix of tenderness and fire that made my pulse race.
When he finally pulled me close, I felt a sense of freedom, like all the weight of the world had lifted.
For once, I wasn't thinking about tomorrow or what others thought. I was just here, with him, living in the moment.
And for tonight, that was enough...
★★The Next Morning★★
The loud buzz of my alarm clock jolted me awake. I rubbed my eyes and stretched, glancing around the room.
"Where did he go?" I murmured, realizing I was alone.
My heart sank as I scanned the room for any sign of him. But It was just me, an empty wine bottle on the floor, and memories of the night before.
I pushed myself up, feeling the dull ache in my body.
The alcohol still lingered in my system, and I had no idea how many times we had... well, how many times we had done it. But despite everything, I couldn't deny I had enjoyed it.
"You're such an idiot Kim!" I scolded myself, running a hand through my hair. "You didn't even ask for his name." I sighed, embarrassed at my recklessness.
How could I let myself go low with a stranger like that?
I glanced down, realizing I was completely naked. "Oh my gosh!" I yelped, grabbing my dress off the floor and quickly slipping it on.
The alarm clock still blared in the background, reminding me that it was already past five in the morning.
It was early, too early for anyone to be up. If I hurried, I could sneak back into the pack house unnoticed.
I picked up my heels and held them in my hand, deciding to walk barefoot to avoid making any noise.
I took a deep breath and opened the basement door, stepping out cautiously. I glanced around, making sure the coast was clear before tiptoeing towards the main entrance.
My heart raced with every step, hoping no one would see me.
Just as I reached the door, a hand grabbed my wrist from behind. I froze, my heart jumped out of my chest...