Fated To Save You- By: Tina Marie
Chapter 31 - I Want You Around
The weight of Connor’s words lingered in Wren’s mind. The guilt of hearing that he thought she didn’t want him around stirred something deep inside her. At first, she had been hesitant about living with him, her nerves frazzled by the change. But time had a way of smoothing edges, and she began to realize just how much his presence meant to her.
One evening, as they sat together in the quiet of their home, Wren found the courage to voice her feelings. Her voice was barely above a whisper, her cheeks tinged with a soft pink. “I feel empty when you aren’t around me.”
Connor’s heart swelled with an emotion he could hardly put into words. He had waited for this moment, where Wren would begin to open up to him. It was a baby step, but a significant one. “Say that one more time,” he urged, his voice trembling with anticipation.
Wren took a deep breath. “I like you around me.”
Connor’s face lit up with an unrestrained smile. “You don’t know how happy I am right now.”
Wren hesitated, her eyes downcast. “Um… I have something else to tell you.”
Connor leaned in closer, his curiosity piqued. “What’s that?”
Wren looked up, a mixture of shyness and resolve in her eyes. “I am okay with your hugs now too.”
Connor’s eyes widened in surprise and joy. “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” Wren replied, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest. “I’m not forcing myself. I like the warmth I feel from your hugs.”
A radiant smile spread across Connor’s face. “You do?”
“Yes,” Wren confirmed. “It makes me feel safe.”
“Well,” Connor said with a soft grin, “If you ever need my hugs, you can just hug me first.”
Wren’s brow furrowed. “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” Connor reassured her. “That way you feel more comfortable with my touch. You can be in control.”
Wren looked at him, feeling a tinge of discomfort at the thought. “I feel weird just coming over to you.”
Connor chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “My body is all yours.”
Wren’s eyes widened in shock. “Connor!”
He laughed, his voice light and playful. “I mean it. Feel free to do more than hug me.” He winked, his affection clear.
Wren suddenly realized she had been nestled in Connor’s arms throughout their conversation. She pulled back slightly, her gaze meeting his. The sight of his broad smile made her heart flutter.
“You are so bad,” she said with a teasing grin.
“Only for you, Sunshine,” Connor replied, his tone warm and affectionate.
Wren’s curiosity got the better of her. “I’ve been meaning to ask you…”
“Ask me what?” Connor prompted, his smile never fading.
“Why do you always call me Sunshine?” Wren inquired, her voice tinged with both curiosity and uncertainty.
Connor’s eyes softened as he looked at her. “Because you are the warmest and brightest light in my life.”
Wren blinked in disbelief. “You have to be joking. Me?”
“No,” Connor said earnestly. “I know it sounds corny, but it’s true. You bring me to life.”
Wren’s gaze dropped to her lap. “How can a broken and worthless person bring light to your life?”
Connor’s expression turned serious, a hint of hurt in his eyes. “Hey, stop talking like that.”
“But it’s true,” Wren insisted, her voice faltering.
“It’s not true if I say it’s not,” Connor replied firmly. “I love you, and you mean the world to me.”
Wren shook her head. “I just don’t see what you see.”
“You will in time,” Connor promised. “I will prove it to you.”
Wren wanted to believe him. She wanted to trust that his words held the truth he saw in her. But the shadows of doubt still lingered. For now, her life felt precarious, and hope was a distant, uncertain promise.
Connor took her hand gently, his voice softening. “Let’s go get some sleep. You have school tomorrow.”
“Okay,” Wren agreed, her voice a whisper of resignation.
“I’ll drop you off in the morning,” Connor said, his hand squeezing hers reassuringly.
“Okay,” Wren repeated, a small smile tugging at her lips despite her uncertainty.
As they prepared for bed, the night wrapped them in its quiet embrace. Connor’s presence was a steadying force, a reminder that even in the midst of her struggle, she was not alone. And though she still grappled with her own feelings, the promise of Connor’s unwavering support gave her a glimmer of hope for the future.
Other Chapters
- Chapter 1 - The Darkest Night
- Chapter 2 - The Beginning of the End
- Chapter 3 - The Surprise
- Chapter 4 - Back To the Present In the Dark
- Chapter 5 - Under the Surface
- Chapter 6 - Unspoken Concerns
- Chapter 7 - Healing Shadows
- Chapter 8 - Shadows on Campus
- Chapter 9 - Unspoken Truths
- Chapter 10 - Shadows of Fear
- Chapter 11 - Confrontation
- Chapter 12 - A Shattered Reflection
- Chapter 13 - A New Beginning
- Chapter 14 - Trust in the Quiet Moments
- Chapter 15 - Beneath the Surface
- Chapter 16 - Unspoken Vulnerability
- Chapter 17 - The Darkness Within
- Chapter 18 - A Gentle Awakening
- Chapter 19 - A Day to Heal
- Chapter 20 - Just Us Two
- Chapter 21 - Disappearance
- Chapter 22 - High Pursuit
- Chapter 23 - The Nightmare Returns
- Chapter 24 - A Nightmare Unfolds
- Chapter 25 - Please Don’t Run Again
- Chapter 26 - Taking Care of Wren
- Chapter 27 - You Can Trust Me
- Chapter 28 - Meeting Trevor Again
- Chapter 29 - Sigh of Relief
- Chapter 30 - Everything Seems Peaceful
- Chapter 31 - I Want You Around
- Chapter 32 - Back To School
- Chapter 33 - Where Is She?
- Chapter 34 - Nightmares and Comfort
- Chapter 35 - Shadows of the Past
- Chapter 36 - Confrontation at Dawn
- Chapter 37 - Unfinished Business
- Chapter 38 - Drowning in Darkness
- Chapter 39 - Fractured Hearts
- Chapter 40 - A Web of Lies
- Chapter 41 - A Step Toward Healing
- Chapter 42 - A Safe Space
- Chapter 43 - The Depth of Healing
- Chapter 44 - Self-Blaming
- Chapter 45 - The Path Forward
- Chapter 46 - The Night’s Embrace
- Chapter 47 - A New Step
- Chapter 48 - An Evening to Remember
- Chapter 49 - Reflections and Doubts
- Chapter 50 - A Moment of Vulnerability
- Chapter 51 - A New Kind of Intimacy
- Chapter 52 - Embracing the Night
- Chapter 53 - In the Silence of the Night
- Chapter 54 - In the Shadow of Healing
- Chapter 55 - A New Beginning
- Chapter 56 - An Unexpected Delight
- Chapter 57 - Romantic Evening
- Chapter 58 - A Lovely Time
- Chapter 59 - Gentle Touches
- Chapter 60 - A Tender Encounter
- Chapter 61 - The Sweetest Temptation
- Chapter 62 - The Appetizer
- Chapter 63 - The Burning Flame
- Chapter 64 - Connor’s Point of View
- Chapter 65 - Taking Control
- Chapter 66 - A New Dynamic
- Chapter 67 - Embracing Control
- Chapter 68 - Boundaries and Healing
- Chapter 69 - A New Beginning
- Chapter 70 - Morning Reflections
- Chapter 71 - Moments of Tenderness
- Chapter 72 - Sweet Torture
- Chapter 73 - Gentle Touch
- Chapter 74 - Healing Touch
- Chapter 75 - Dear Diary
- Chapter 76 - The Check-Up
- Chapter 77 - Back to School
- Chapter 78 - Unspoken Feelings
- Chapter 79 - Heartfelt Confession
- Chapter 80 - Secrets and Confessions
- Chapter 81 - Secrets, Surprises, and a Plan
- Chapter 82 - Unspoken Truths
- Chapter 83 - A Birthday to Remember
- Chapter 84 - The Party Surprise
- Chapter 85 - An Unexpected Twist
- Chapter 86 - The Playful Tease
- Chapter 87 - Hot Touches
- Chapter 88 - A Night to Remember
- Chapter 89 - Gossip Girls
- Chapter 90 - Unspoken Desires
- Chapter 91 - A Day of Milestones
- Chapter 92 - Shattered Moments
- Chapter 93 - Fragile Hope
- Chapter 94 - The Uncertain Wait
- Chapter 95 - A Year of Waiting
- Chapter 96 - A Day of New Beginnings
- Chapter 97 - A Night of Firsts
- Chapter 98 - The Heart's Confusion
- Chapter 99 - Morning Bliss
- Chapter 100 - The Morning After
- Chapter 101 - The Weight of Unspoken Love
- Chapter 102 - A Heart Left Behind
- Chapter 103 - A Flicker of Hope
- Chapter 104 - The Promise of Tomorrow
- Chapter 105 - Awakening
- Chapter 106 - The Perfect Day
- Chapter 107 - A New Beginning
- Chapter 108 - Double Joy
- Chapter 109 - Growing Up and Growing Closer
- Chapter 110 - A Day in the Sun
- Chapter 111 - A Surprise in the Garden
- Chapter 112 - The Dance of Confessions
- Chapter 113 - Love In the Library