Chapter 8
In Chapter 7 of “Dreams Folding Into Broken Time,” tension fills the air as Savannah and her family navigate a gathering filled with unspoken emotions. Chloe’s teasing comments about Savannah’s past struggles create an uncomfortable atmosphere, prompting their father to intervene. Roman, Savannah’s supportive partner, attempts to lighten the mood with humor, which helps to ease the stress. However, Savannah grapples with her feelings of frustration and vulnerability, especially in light of Chloe’s jabs that remind her of her past pains. In a moment of impulse, Savannah kisses Roman, a gesture that signifies both her desire for connection and a longing to escape the familial chaos.
As Chapter 8 unfolds, Savannah and Roman find themselves retreating from the family gathering, seeking solace in the privacy of Chloe’s room. The weight of familial expectations and tensions hangs over Savannah, leading her to express a mix of humor and frustration about her family dynamics. Roman’s presence provides a grounding comfort, allowing Savannah to momentarily escape her inner turmoil. Their playful banter reveals a growing bond, even as Savannah’s irritation with her family simmers beneath the surface. The chapter captures the lightheartedness of young romance intertwined with the complexities of familial relationships.
The chapter takes an unexpected turn as Savannah and Roman’s innocent kiss escalates into a passionate moment, blurring the lines between their fake relationship and genuine feelings. The playful practice of their scripted romance transforms into an intimate encounter, igniting a spark between them that Savannah struggles to comprehend. Despite her internal mantra insisting that their connection is not real, the intensity of the moment challenges her perceptions. This shift marks a pivotal point in their relationship, as Savannah begins to realize that their chemistry might be more than just a facade. The chapter concludes with a sense of anticipation, leaving readers eager to see how Savannah will navigate her feelings and the complexities of her family life moving forward.
**TITLE: Dreams Folding Into Broken Time p>
**Chapter 7: This Position’s Goated, Love p>
“Are we still on about the room, Sav?” Chloe quipped, a teasing smirk playing on her lips.
The air thickened with an unspoken tension, as if everyone present was tiptoeing around the fragile ego of the star child. Silence reigned, an uncomfortable blanket draped over the room.
Dad cleared his throat, a sound that echoed with authority. “Savannah, adjusting a few details for your younger sister’s event should not dredge up old memories that haunt us p>
Alyssa chimed in, her voice surprisingly earnest, “You can take mine if you want p>
Roman stepped forward, his hand finding mine, anchoring me in the moment.
“Now we have even more reasons to cuddle, love,” he joked, a playful glint in his eyes.
His light-hearted comment popped the tension like a needle piercing an inflated balloon, leaving behind a sense of relief.
Dad mentioned something about Roman being unexpectedly decent, a sentiment tinged with disbelief.
“Don’t get mad, Sav,” Chloe added, her tone dripping with feigned sweetness. “You know how the floor gets hostile when you’re angry. Dean and I promise not to break your bed p>
That jab hit hard, a reminder of all the times she had turned my vertigo into her punchline. With Chloe, nothing was sacred—especially not pain.
But I wasn’t about to let her win this round, not after flying all the way from Philly.
So, I flashed a smile, one that masked my inner turmoil.
Then, on a sudden impulse, I rose on my toes and pressed my lips against Roman’s.
It wasn’t premeditated, but it certainly was a performance for the ages.
His lips were soft—so incredibly soft and warm. It felt like the first gentle caress of sunlight after a long, frigid winter.
Get a grip, Savannah.
I shifted my weight, heart racing like a wild stallion. “Let’s make Mom and Dad grandparents,” I blurted, my voice a mix of excitement and dread.
“Ew,” Chloe recoiled, her face a picture of exaggerated disgust.
**Chapter 8 p>
“You’ve gotta be kidding me,” Dean muttered under his breath, disbelief etched across his features.
Roman wore a grin that could light up the darkest corners of the room. “Ready whenever you are, love,” he said, his confidence infectious.
“Dinner’s in an hour,” Mom interjected, her voice slightly strained as she wrapped a protective arm around Emily. “I think we’ve all had our fill of gift-giving and tension for now p>
Without a second thought, I grabbed Roman’s hand, and we dashed up the stairs like mischievous children escaping the confines of detention.
“Flora, you prayed for it,” Aunt Janice cackled behind us.
Mom’s voice trailed off, a distant reminder of her admonition about “waiting until the wedding.” I slammed the bedroom door shut, letting out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding as I leaned against it, the weight of the world momentarily lifted.
“You okay, Sav?” Roman asked, sprawled casually on the bed, his presence grounding me.
“No. I want to murder my entire family. Twice. This is me being honest,” I replied, the frustration bubbling to the surface.
Roman flopped onto Chloe’s bed as if he owned the place, one foot still firmly planted on the ground, his arm tucked behind his head in that effortlessly cool way he had.
“You okay, Sav?” he repeated, concern lacing his voice.
I tore my gaze away from him, taking in the familiar chaos of Chloe’s room. The air was thick with the scent of her lavender hair mist and an overwhelming superiority complex that seemed to cling to every surface.
I perched myself on the edge of the bed beside him, feeling a strange comfort in his presence.
Roman leaned closer, his warmth radiating against my skin. “That went well,” he remarked, a hint of sarcasm in his tone.
I shot him a look that could melt steel. “Don’t be smug. I’m one comment away from going full Carrie at prom p>
He reached for my hand, intertwining our fingers on the bed. “I’ll be your alibi, and if things go south, I’ll bail you out,” he promised, his voice laced with sincerity.
A genuine smile broke across my face. “Thank you for agreeing to do this with me p>
His green eyes sparkled with mischief, a playful glint that made my heart flutter. “I’m having fun, love p>
I reclined back, staring up at the ceiling, thoughts swirling like leaves caught in a whirlwind. “You’re weird,” I said, half-joking.
He tilted his head, a smirk dancing on his lips. “You know they all think we’re up to something in here, right? Probably placing bets downstairs p>
I shot a glare at the door, as if it had betrayed me personally. “Screw them. Except Alyssa p>
Roman rolled onto his side, narrowing his eyes in mock offense. “You could’ve given me a heads-up back there. I almost laughed in your face when you kissed me p>
“There was no time,” I retorted. “It was either that or stab Chloe with her own cheekbone p>
“Next time,” he said, inching closer, “we should practice p>
I barely had the chance to raise an eyebrow before he pinned me down on the bed, straddling me with a grin that promised mischief.
With one hand, he held my wrists above my head, while the other slid slowly down my waist, igniting a fire within me.
“Roman?” My breath hitched, caught in the web of anticipation.
“Hi.” He leaned down, his voice dropping to a sultry whisper.
“Hi,” I whispered back, my heart racing.
His mouth brushed against mine, a teasing caress that sent shivers down my spine. Then, he kissed me like he had something to prove.
His lips crashed against mine with a fervor that left no room for hesitation, no scripts to follow. Just raw, unfiltered heat. We battled for dominance, and in the midst of it all, I bit his bottom lip. He groaned, deepening the kiss, his tongue exploring mine as if trying to uncover every secret I had ever kept.
This is fake. This is fake. I chanted silently in my mind.
But why did it feel so unbelievably good?
I couldn’t pinpoint when the innocent practice morphed into something far more intimate, but the line was blurring rapidly—and Roman wasn’t making any move to stop it.
It all began with a simple kiss, a mere mock run-through of our fake-date script. Roman leaned in, brushing my hair back with a tenderness that made my heart flutter. “Let’s see if we have chemistry,” he murmured, his voice low and inviting, igniting a spark within me that I couldn’t ignore.
As the evening unfolded, the weight of familial expectations began to dissipate, replaced by the intoxicating thrill of newfound intimacy. Savannah’s playful banter with Roman transformed the tension into a shared secret, a cocoon of warmth that shielded them from the chaos outside. In the sanctuary of Chloe’s room, amid the lingering scents of lavender and the echoes of laughter, Savannah found solace in Roman’s presence. Their connection deepened, each kiss and teasing remark weaving a tapestry of vulnerability and trust, allowing her to momentarily escape the burdens that had long plagued her heart. The world outside faded, leaving only the two of them, entwined in a dance of unspoken promises and electric anticipation.
Yet, as the night wore on, Savannah grappled with a whirlwind of emotions—fear, excitement, and a hint of uncertainty. The kiss that began as a mere act of defiance blossomed into something far more profound, challenging her to confront the walls she had built around her heart. With every stolen glance and whispered word, she realized that this was no longer just about playing a role; it was about embracing the possibility of love amidst the chaos of her life. In that moment, as Roman’s fingers brushed against her skin and their hearts raced in tandem, Savannah understood that the path ahead would be fraught with challenges, but it was a journey worth taking. The dreams she once folded into broken time were now beginning to take flight, igniting a spark of hope that perhaps, just perhaps, love could mend the fractures of her past.
In the next chapter, readers can expect the tension to escalate as Savannah grapples with the whirlwind of emotions ignited by her spontaneous kiss with Roman. The playful banter that has characterized their relationship will likely take a more profound turn as Savannah confronts her feelings for him, questioning whether their chemistry is merely a product of the moment or something deeper. The stakes will rise as the family dynamic continues to unfold, with Chloe and Dean lurking in the background, ready to pounce on any sign of vulnerability. Will Savannah find the courage to embrace her feelings, or will her insecurities push her back into the safety of sarcasm and deflection?
Moreover, the chapter promises to delve into the aftermath of the kiss—how it affects Savannah’s perception of her own desires and the expectations placed upon her by her family. With Roman’s playful confidence juxtaposed against her internal turmoil, readers will be on the edge of their seats, wondering how far Savannah is willing to go to explore this newfound connection. Will she take the leap into uncharted territory, or will fear of judgment hold her back? As the evening unfolds, the tension between familial obligations and personal desires will reach a boiling point, setting the stage for revelations that could change everything for Savannah and Roman. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, unexpected confrontations, and the tantalizing thrill of young love caught in the crossfire of family drama.
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.