Chapter 5 Regret

I couldn't sleep that night.

Even after Jacinth asked me to forget what happened, my mind wouldn't stop replaying every second. The softness of her lips. The way her body leaned into mine. The trembling in her voice when she told me to leave. It didn't feel like regret-it felt like fear. Fear of what it meant, of what it could turn into.

And me? I was completely obsessed.

I tossed and turned on my bed, staring up at the ceiling as the fan spun in slow, lazy circles. The room was quiet, but inside my head, everything was loud. Her image haunted me. The scent of her wet skin. The towel barely clinging to her body. The way she looked at me like she wanted me but hated herself for it.

Damn.

The next morning, I stayed in bed longer than usual. My body was tired, but my mind was wired. I didn't go downstairs until I heard everyone else leave. That was the routine now-Daniel and the others heading off to work, leaving me alone for a few hours. I hoped I wouldn't run into her. Or maybe I did.

I stepped into the kitchen to get some coffee, and that's when I saw her.

Jacinth.

She stood by the counter, dressed in a simple blouse and jeans. Her hair was pulled back, and she looked calm-too calm. But when her eyes met mine, something flickered. Guilt, maybe. Or something deeper.

I froze.

She did too.

"Morning," I said quietly, walking toward the sink.

She hesitated before replying. "Morning."

I poured water into the kettle, trying to act normal, but my chest felt tight. She watched me for a few seconds, then looked away.

"You didn't go with the others?" she asked, her voice softer now.

I shrugged. "Didn't feel like it. I needed some time."

There was a pause. Then, slowly, she walked toward me. Her footsteps were soft, almost hesitant.

"Dami," she said, and I turned to face her.

She looked unsure, her eyes flicking to the floor, then back up. "I need to apologize."

I stared at her, confused. "For what?"

"For... the way I treated you yesterday," she said. "I shouldn't have shut you out like that. I was scared. Still am."

I swallowed hard. "You don't have to explain."

"Yes, I do," she said quickly. "Because I wasn't fair to you. What happened... It wasn't just you. I kissed you back. I wanted it. That's the truth. But it scared me."

I didn't say anything. I just listened, heart thudding like crazy.

She stepped closer. "You're younger than me. You're my son's friend. I keep telling myself it's wrong. But then-" she paused, eyes locking on mine, "-I can't stop thinking about you."

My breath caught.

"I can't sleep. I can't focus," she went on. "Every time I close my eyes, I see your face. I feel your hands on me. It's driving me insane."

I couldn't take it anymore.

I stepped forward and closed the space between us. My hand reached for her waist. She didn't move away.

"I feel the same way," I whispered. "And I don't want to pretend like I don't."

Our faces were inches apart. I could feel her breath, warm against my skin. My heart pounded in my ears, drowning out everything else.

She didn't speak.

She leaned in.

And this time, when our lips met, there was no hesitation.

The kiss was hot and deep, fueled by everything we'd been holding back. Her hands gripped my shirt as I pulled her closer, pressing her body against mine. I kissed her like I'd been starving for it-because I had. Days of longing poured out all at once. Our mouths moved in sync, hungry, desperate.

She moaned softly into my mouth, and that sound-God, that sound-sent a shiver down my spine. My fingers slid up her back, feeling the heat of her skin beneath her blouse. She gasped as I deepened the kiss, and I knew she wanted more.

But then, all at once, she pulled away.

"No," she said, breathless. "We can't do this here."

Her lips were swollen, her chest rising and falling quickly. She looked flushed, wild, like she didn't even recognize herself.

"I-I have to go," she stammered.

"Jacinth-"

She shook her head and backed away, her eyes darting toward the hallway. "This isn't right. Not now."

Before I could stop her, she turned and hurried out of the kitchen, leaving me standing there alone.

Again.

My fists clenched at my sides. My lips still tingled from the kiss. I didn't know what was worse-how good it felt or how quickly it ended.

She wanted me.

I knew that now without a doubt.

But she was running from it. From me. And I didn't know how long I could take that.