Chapter 17
In Chapter 12 of “Dreams Folding Into Broken Time,” titled “Not In The Mood, Chloe,” Roman grapples with intense feelings for Chloe, which he never intended to act upon. The chapter opens with Roman’s internal conflict as he is drawn to Chloe’s appearance, feeling an overwhelming desire that clashes with his commitment to Savannah, his fiancée. Despite his best intentions, the sight of Chloe in a revealing outfit ignites a primal urge within him, leading him to question the boundaries of their friendship.
As Roman encounters Chloe, their conversation quickly escalates into a tense exchange filled with underlying emotions and unspoken truths. Chloe’s demeanor shifts from playful to defensive as she accuses Savannah of trying to ruin her wedding, revealing the complicated dynamics between the three characters. Roman’s protective instincts kick in, and he warns Chloe to keep her secrets hidden, indicating that their past interactions are far from forgotten. The tension mounts as they both acknowledge their mutual attraction, with Chloe teasingly challenging Roman’s assertions about their relationship.
The chapter reaches a climax as Roman confronts Chloe about her interest in him, insisting that he is committed to Savannah. However, Chloe’s defiance and knowledge of Savannah’s secrets create a dangerous game of manipulation. Roman’s anger and frustration boil over as he realizes the precarious position he is in, torn between his feelings for both women. The encounter leaves him feeling unsteady and conflicted, hinting at deeper issues that threaten to unravel his carefully constructed life.
Ultimately, as Roman steps outside and sees Savannah with Dean, the chapter closes on a note of jealousy and rage. The sight of them together intensifies his inner turmoil, suggesting that his feelings for both women are more complicated than he is willing to admit. The chapter encapsulates the emotional chaos of desire, loyalty, and betrayal, setting the stage for further conflict as Roman navigates the complexities of his relationships.
**Chapter 12: Not In The Mood, Chloe p>
**Roman p>
I never intended to kiss her—not in that way, at least. Not with her soft moans mingling with my breath, and my hands practically itching to strip away that bikini in broad daylight for all to see.
But the moment she stepped out of the house, draped in that scandalous ensemble of red strings, all semblance of restraint vanished into thin air.
Emily’s laughter floated just a few feet away, a lighthearted sound that felt worlds apart from the storm brewing inside me.
All I could think about was tearing that bikini off her and claiming her as mine, right there in front of everyone.
Every promise I had made to myself, every good intention, turned to ash in an instant.
I envisioned pinning her against the pool wall, losing myself in her, oblivious to the fact that her entire family could be watching.
That kiss? It was as real as it gets. Not a single ounce of pretense. I wanted her.
And the truth is, I still want her. Desperately.
I could sense that she felt it too, and that realization sent a shiver of fear down my spine. The intensity of my feelings for her was troubling—an overwhelming desire that threatened to shatter everything we had built.
Best friends shouldn’t be consumed by thoughts of each other in such a primal way. Yet, here I was, imagining bending Savannah over in every possible position my mind could conjure.
I pictured her bent over my desk, moaning my name against the glass of the shower, writhing beneath me on her childhood bed while her sister’s bridal playlist played softly in the background.
Damn it. This wasn’t helping at all.
How the hell did we find ourselves in this tangled mess?
I barely registered the chill of the air against my damp skin as I stepped outside. Emily’s giggles echoed around me, bouncing off the stone patio like an annoying soundtrack I couldn’t escape. The cold tiles felt slick beneath my feet, remnants of the water clinging to my body. My breath came in short gasps.
And my body?
Rock hard. Like steel.
Every muscle tensed, my fists clenched tightly as if I were preparing to punch a wall—or someone’s face.
I forced myself to move, to slip into the shadows of the corridor and head toward our bedroom, but the sudden click of a door halted me mid-step.
Chloe.
She emerged from a bedroom, a smile gracing her lips as she gazed at her phone, as if it were a camera capturing a perfect moment. Clad in a robe, one silk strap slipped down her shoulder, an unspoken invitation that made my heart race.
I noticed how she quickly concealed her phone behind her when she caught sight of me, as if hiding something she didn’t want me to see.
Her smile was there, but it didn’t reach her eyes.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, feigning surprise, as though I hadn’t been lurking around since yesterday.
“Attending your wedding, blondie,” I replied, my tone flat, devoid of any warmth.
Her smile faltered, her eyes darting to the left and back again.
The weight of guilt—whatever she was hiding—was evident in her posture. Shoulders hunched, arms loose, she looked like someone caught red-handed doing something scandalous.
“Don’t call me that,” she hissed, her voice laced with irritation.
“What, blondie?” I tilted my head, a smirk creeping onto my face. “Did I hit a nerve p>
She stepped closer, arms crossing defensively over her chest, her voice tight with tension. “Did Savannah bring you here to ruin my wedding? She’s always been a bitter, unstable witch.” Her crystal blue eyes narrowed with suspicion.
“Watch it,” I warned, my voice dropping to a low, menacing growl. “One more word like that, and your fiancé will be yanking that ring off your lying little finger p>
Her eyes widened, and she instinctively cradled her hand as if I had already snatched the ring away.
“Does she know?” she whispered, her voice now a calculated murmur.
“No,” I replied firmly. “And I intend to keep it that way p>
A slow, triumphant smile spread across her face. “You’re in love. Again p>
“And you’re a liar, as usual,” I shot back, irritation bubbling beneath the surface.
She shrugged, seemingly unfazed. “We all are p>
I shot her a glare and turned to walk away, desperate to escape the tension.
“Storming off already?” Chloe called after me, her voice sweet yet laced with a venomous undertone.
What had I been thinking, getting involved with a woman like this?
I didn’t stop. “Not in the mood, Chloe p>
She stepped directly in front of me, blocking my path. “You never are… until you are p>
I froze, my jaw tightening. “That was in the past. It shouldn’t have happened, and you know it p>
Her gaze dropped, fixating on the bulge in my swim trunks as if it were an invitation meant solely for her. She leaned in, a smug smile dancing on her lips. “Doesn’t feel like you think it was a mistake p>
I took a step closer, invading her space. “This isn’t because of you, blondie. You’re not that hot. Don’t confuse a physical reaction with genuine interest p>
She bit her bottom lip, a teasing gesture that sent my pulse racing. “Is that so p>
“I’m not playing games here, Chloe. Whatever happened between us? It ends now. I’m with Savannah. She’s the one who holds my heart p>
She scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Funny, considering Savannah has no idea we’ve even met before p>
My hand shot up, pressing flat against the wall beside her head, effectively caging her in. My voice dropped to a low, warning growl. “And she never will. You keep that loud mouth of yours shut p>
Chloe’s pupils dilated, a spark of excitement flickering in her eyes. She thrived on this version of me—dark, threatening, angry. It turned her on, and I knew it.
It was what kept her coming back for more.
“You were rough with me once, remember?” she whispered, her finger trailing down my chest, nails grazing my skin. “You didn’t seem so noble then p>
I gripped her wrist mid-touch, holding it tightly—not enough to hurt, but just enough to stop her in her tracks. “Touch me again, and I’ll make sure Dean finds out whose bed you spent the night in, three days before your engagement p>
Her smile faltered, and I relished the flicker of fear that crossed her face. Good.
“You wouldn’t dare. You know why? Savannah’s no saint either p>
I scoffed, incredulous at her audacity.
“She never tried to be one p>
Her breath quickened, her challenge palpable even without a single movement. “You’re blinded by the idea of her. You don’t know her like I do p>
“Chloe, you’re only interested in me because Savannah is,” I shot back darkly. “And that makes you even more pathetic than I thought p>
Her eyes flashed with defiance. “Careful, Roman. One word from me, and your precious Savannah will look at you differently. And you at her p>
I leaned in, our foreheads almost touching. “Then say it. And watch me destroy everything you care about p>
Silence hung between us, thick and heavy.
She swallowed hard, and I released her wrist.
“Ask her about Professor Kingston p>
“Who the hell is that p>
“Savannah knows all the juicy details.” Chloe smirked, a wicked glint in her eyes.
“Last warning, blondie. Stay the hell away from her p>
Without another word, I turned and strode past her, my pulse pounding like a war drum in my throat.
I should have felt victorious after putting Chloe in her place.
But instead, I felt sick, like something deep within me was unraveling. I didn’t trust Chloe.
So, I pivoted on my heel and headed back.
The moment I stepped outside again, my gaze landed on Savannah, splashing in the pool with Dean—his hand dangerously close to the valley of her breasts, scooping droplets of water like ice cream. I saw red.
In the charged atmosphere of that moment, the lines between loyalty and desire blurred irrevocably. Roman’s internal battle echoed in the air, a cacophony of longing and guilt that threatened to drown him. The kiss he never intended to share with Chloe had ignited a firestorm of emotions, revealing the raw vulnerability beneath his bravado. As he confronted Chloe, it became painfully clear that the facade of friendship was crumbling, exposing the truth of their entangled hearts. With every taunt and challenge, the stakes grew higher, leaving Roman wrestling not just with his feelings for Chloe but the weight of his commitment to Savannah. The thrill of the chase was intoxicating, yet the realization that he was playing with fire left him feeling hollow, as if he were losing pieces of himself in the process.
As he stepped outside to see Savannah, carefree and radiant, a wave of regret washed over him. The sight of her laughter, innocent and untarnished, clashed violently with the turmoil brewing within him. Roman understood that every moment spent entangled with Chloe was a step away from the love he professed to have for Savannah. The thrill of desire was overshadowed by the gnawing fear of betrayal and heartbreak. In that moment, he was faced with a choice: to succumb to the intoxicating pull of Chloe’s allure or to fight for the love he had vowed to protect. With his heart racing and a sick sense of foreboding settling in his gut, Roman realized that the path ahead was fraught with peril, and the consequences of his choices would echo far beyond this sun-soaked day.
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter p>
As the tension between Roman and Chloe escalates, the next chapter promises to delve deeper into the complexities of their entangled emotions. Roman is caught in a storm of desire and loyalty, battling the intoxicating pull of his feelings for Chloe while trying to maintain his commitment to Savannah. Readers can expect a gripping exploration of Roman’s internal conflict, as he grapples with the consequences of his actions and the potential fallout from his simmering attraction to Chloe. Will he be able to resist her allure, or will the temptation prove too strong, leading him down a path of betrayal?
Meanwhile, Chloe’s cunning nature and her hidden agenda will come to the forefront, revealing layers of her character that have yet to be explored. Her cryptic mention of Professor Kingston raises questions that could shatter the fragile dynamics between the trio. What secrets does Savannah hold, and how will they impact her relationship with Roman? As the chapter unfolds, the stakes will rise, and alliances will be tested, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown that could alter the course of their lives forever. Prepare for unexpected twists and revelations that will leave you breathless and eagerly anticipating the next turn in this tangled web of desire and deceit.
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.