BLAZE*

As my eyes crept open, and widened, I was shocked by my surroundings. "What the hell is going on?" It became apparent that I was in unfamiliar territory.

My heart pounds in my chest as panic overwhelms me. How did I end up here? The sharp scent of fresh paint mingles with the delicate fragrance of a woman's perfume, creating an unusual blend of aromas that fills my nostrils. But these concerns fade away as my eyes adjust to the gentle glow of the lamp casting its warm light on the nightstand. From there, my gaze travels to the bed, where I behold the woman of my fantasies lying there before me. It's her-the same woman I glimpsed three years ago, the one who has haunted my dreams ever since. And now she is here, in reality, right in front of me.

Looking down, my eyes widen as I realize I'm standing in the middle of the room, clad only in black boxer briefs. The gravity of the situation hits me like a truck. Sleepwalking, a phenomenon I thought I had left behind in the past, has returned. Waves of stress and loneliness crash over me, suffocating my senses. The room feels cold against my bare skin, the air heavy with the musky scent of anxiety. I can't help but feel like a disturbing figure, standing so close to her bed, appearing like a creepy stalker.

The soft glow emanating from the lamp casts a gentle light, allowing me to survey my surroundings with more clarity. With utmost caution, I glance unmoving so I don't wake her and startle her. A grin tugs at the corners of my lips as I notice the impeccable tidiness of her room, a testament to her meticulous nature. My eyes fixate on two doors, one leading to a pristine ensuite bathroom, while the other must lead to the hallway.

Pausing for a moment, I gaze down at the enchanting goddess lying on the bed, reluctant to part ways. Her long, flowing auburn tresses cascade around her semi-pale complexion, and as I draw nearer, I notice the delicate freckles that grace her prominent cheekbones and adorable button nose. If only I could glimpse her mesmerizing green eyes at this very moment. I would willingly face imprisonment for daring to invade her personal space.

"Snap out of it, you idiot!" I blink back to reality and take in my surroundings. The more I look around, the more everything seems eerily familiar.

I am now in a state of extreme panic because I have a strong sense of familiarity with this place, although I cannot recall how or when I have been here before. Despite the urge to go towards the door that I believe would lead me out to the hallway, I am inexplicably drawn to the woman lying in front of me. As I approach her to examine her, her eyes burst open, causing me to freeze in place.

Her gaze roams from my face and travels downward, eyes widening as they land on the bulge in my boxer briefs, making my cock twitch. Then her gaze travels back up to meet my eyes, and my god, I've never seen such mesmerizing emerald green eyes in my life. They are even brighter than I realize from seeing them three years ago.

In the blink of an eye, a vivid burst of memories flooded my vision. The world around me seemed surreal and incomprehensible. Yet, in this fleeting moment, I felt an unshakable certainty deep within my being - this woman, standing before me, is undeniably my soulmate.

It's as if her presence envelops me, a magnetic force drawing us together, even without physical contact. In that moment, I hear her gasp, and it dawns on me that she must be experiencing the same sensations. The longing to be near her overrides any logical thinking, as if an invisible thread tugs at my every fiber.

Her mouth hangs agape, the corners trembling, while her eyes widen like saucers, making it difficult to fathom the thoughts swirling within her mind. But then, as her eyes soften, a flicker of recognition dances within them. I can almost hear the hushed whispers of her soul reaching out to me in some inexplicable way. Within me, a seething blaze roars, its heat and intensity building with each passing moment, and my traitorous cock leaped into a steel rod.

An electric current flows through me, and all I felt was the need to have her wrapped around me as I buried myself deep inside her depths.

Kneeling before her, I gaze into the deep abyss of her sparkling, emerald eyes and lose myself completely. Reaching up, I caress the silky smooth contours of her cheek down to her chin. This close, I realize how she is much more breathtaking than I thought. I'm having the hardest time holding myself together. A spark ignites as I touch her and I desperately wish I could kiss her.

"I know this may sound crazy, but here I am, a stranger who somehow ended up in your room. I do not know how it happened, but there's something about you that has drawn me in. It's as if the universe heard my desperate cries for companionship tonight. I'm not one to pray or engage in any sort of spiritual practice, but I've been feeling incredibly lonely. It was a last resort, a moment of desperation, when I rambled about the qualities I long for in a woman. Then I passed out, and now I find myself here with you."

She furrows her brow, her eyes darting back and forth as if searching for clarity. But beyond that, a radiant grin spreads across her face, accompanied by the gentle nodding of her head.

"Um... I mean..."

Damn, I'm botching this in such horrid ways that my palms are sweaty and my heart pounds in my chest. I struggle to find the right words. My tongue feels heavy in my mouth. But her eyes, warm and understanding, give me hope. The air is tense, filled with anticipation, as I gather my courage. Okay, here it comes, a jumble of words waiting to spill out.

"As absurd as it may seem, there's an inexplicable force pulling us together, like two puzzle pieces meant to fit together. The sights of your radiant smile and enchanting eyes intoxicate my senses. The smell of your perfume lingers in the air, captivating my every thought. I know this may appear inappropriate, but I assure you, my intentions are genuine. My heart has longed for your presence for years, and I find myself unable to resist the undeniable connection between us."

"You crazy idiot! You didn't just say that to a complete stranger!"

My voice, like rough gravel scraping against metal, fills the air, betraying my inner turmoil. I feel myself unraveling, my thoughts unraveling like a frayed thread. I have no clue on how to proceed from here. Perhaps I should seal my lips shut, preventing any more damage. Yet, she sits before me, a radiant smile illuminating her face, her head nodding in acknowledgement.

"This is all so crazy, yes," her soft angelic voice whispered with a hitch. I could tell she was nervous as she tried to shrug off what she had just said. But as she spoke, I could hear the yearning in her voice. "But I did my own soul searching and ramblings tonight as well, and now, here you are."

"I have been searching for you for three years, ever since that day I saw you in the hallway at Tech. Although I'm uncertain, I think I glimpsed you six months ago as you were leaving the club. I had every intention of trying to find you, but you disappeared without a trace. It may sound absurd, but despite being complete strangers, I have this overwhelming sensation that I have known you my whole life," she confessed, then boldly placed her hand on my chest.

My mind and body are betraying me, consumed by a whirlwind of emotions. I should flee, but the thought of leaving her side, even in my wildest dreams, feels impossible. Fear and confusion grip me, as my heart pounds like a wild drum in my chest. Her delicate touch grazes my cheek, her eyes filled with love, and I am overwhelmed. I feel as though I am melting into a puddle at her feet, my senses surrendering to the allure of her presence.

She runs her fingertips over the stubble of my jawline and gives me a warm smile that has me on edge. Hell, if I'm not about to come without ever even having the chance to be inside her.

LYRA*

I'm jolted from my sleep, my senses picking up on a mysterious presence lingering in my room. A distinct and robust aroma, combining the woody essence of cedar and pine, wafts through the air, invading my nostrils. In that moment, my mind leaps to the possibility of Steven's return. However, memories remind me that Steven's scent always carries a hint of zesty citrus.

"Oh crud! Did I forget to lock the door downstairs after slamming it in Steven's face? I can't remember! Did the Uber driver come back? What should I do?" I thought to myself, trying to keep from flinching or making any sudden movements. "You best leave, or I'll..."

Even with my eyes shuttered, I can sense the piercing intensity of his gaze, like a searing beam seeping into my skin. A surge of fear rushes through my veins, causing a prickling sensation to crawl up my spine. Determined to remain composed, I maintain shallow breaths, attempting to silence the racing thoughts that threaten to consume me. The rhythmic thumping of my heart reverberates in my ears, echoing like a thunderous drumbeat, drowning out all other sounds. The weight of the moment hangs heavy in the air, as if time itself has frozen. An unsettling question gnaws at my mind, clawing for answers. Will they force me to take a life tonight? Or is there another purpose behind his stagnant presence?

Something inexplicable occurs, and as it unfolds, a gentle wave of tranquility envelops me. In an instant, an unexplainable assurance settles within, rendering me undeniably secure. It is as if the mere presence of this individual ensures my safety, shielding me from any potential harm.

Amid the profound silence, a soft whisper pierced the air, prompting my ears to perk up. I discerned the faint sound of cautious footsteps inching closer to my bedside. The obscurity behind my closed eyelids intensified my senses. I could perceive the chill of the sheets brushing against my skin, sending a shudder cascading down my spine. The weight of anticipation became insufferable; it was as though time had come to a standstill. Refusing to be caught off guard, I mustered all my bravery and, with a swift motion, pried open my eyes.

I blink twice, allowing my eyes to adjust to the soft, dim lighting emanating from the lamp on my nightstand. As my vision clears, I peer over and find myself face-to-face with the man of my dreams, his figure bathed in the gentle glow. Clad only in black boxer briefs, he stands before me, captivating my attention. The urge to question how he managed to enter my house flickers in my mind, but I choose to keep silent, opting instead to appreciate the sight before me. I allow my gaze to linger on his form, relishing the moment. After all, he had been watching me for quite some time, so why not reciprocate? No harm done, no consequences to fear.

The soft glow of the lamp illuminates his sun-kissed skin, casting a radiant shimmer that sends a shiver down my spine. His impeccably sculpted physique and striking handsomeness mesmerize me, leaving me yearning for this sight every single day. Each muscle is taut and defined, causing a flutter deep within me. His towering height, standing at least 6 feet or more, ignites a passion within, reminiscent of the descriptions found in novels. He resembles a deity from ancient Greece, with a form chiseled and flawlessly crafted. If only I could extend my hand and feel him...

He has minimal chest hair. Which is amazing to me because I don't like hairy guys. Mmm and that gorgeous six-pack, with a streak of hair going from his belly button down to his briefs, has me wanting to do some not so innocent things to him.

When my gaze travels further down to see the bulge twitching in his boxer briefs, I could feel the heat rise on my face and body, from embarrassment and, arousal. Intense heat like molten lava radiates through my core, and I squirm a bit when fluid trickles from the space.

Coming unhinged in front of this stranger doesn't seem like a good idea, so to keep myself from going off my rocker. I take my eyes from his twitching bulge and shift it back to his face. But that was a mistake because damn, he's so freaking handsome. Just hot as hell, let me tell you. Man, I just want to run my fingers over his goatee and feel that cut squared, chiseled jawline of his. If I could just kiss those plump red lips, I could die a happy woman.

Gosh, even his nose is sculpted, with a slight curve at the tip. His hypnotic sapphire blue eyes meet my bright green ones, and the intensity of his gaze leaves me speechless. I can't help but stare, unable to even blink, as if I'm being held captive by his presence. It's as if he's wearing contacts to enhance the vividness of his eyes; such a mesmerizing color feels otherworldly. Yet, an inexplicable force draws me towards him, like a moth gravitating towards a flickering flame. A strange sensation rushes through me, and though he's a stranger, a profound sense of familiarity washes over me, as if we share a connection that spans a lifetime.

An elusive and enigmatic emotion seems to tug at my heartstrings. The rhythmic thumping within my chest intensifies, racing even faster than before. It's as if a window to his very soul has opened before me, allowing me to peer into its profound depths. The steady rise and fall of his breath hints at the same enchanting pull he feels. We yearn to be closer, to intertwine our beings, to share a love that transcends all boundaries.

"Stop it, you crazy woman. You can't love someone when they are a stranger and you don't even know their name."

My breath seems to get clogged in my throat as I gaze from his member back to his eyes. Tingles seem to cascade throughout my whole body, from my head to my toes, making my core spasm once again. The intensity of this whole situation is most undoubtedly going to make me come and we haven't even touched each other.

But his soul seems to cry out to mine, a deep, resonating connection that I've never experienced before. The air crackles with electricity as he gracefully kneels before me, his touch sending shivers down my spine. I can almost hear the soft sound of his fingers gliding across my cheek, a soothing melody. The scent of his cologne fills the room, a heady mix of warmth and desire. It's a sensation that words fail to capture, an indescribable intensity that leaves me breathless.

I feel a pang of sympathy for him as he shares his night with me. His nervousness is palpable, clear in his fumbling words and uncertain demeanor. Yet, amidst it all, his voice captivates me. It's a deep, raspy timbre that sends shivers down my spine. Although we are complete strangers, I can't help but be drawn to him. What's even more astonishing is that I've experienced something similar just moments ago. The odds of this coincidence baffle me. Confusion clouds my mind, but I maintain a smile, encouraging him to continue. His words mirror my own emotions, creating an inexplicable connection between us.

As he finishes, his eyes lock onto my lips, causing my heart to flutter anxiously. I hold my breath, yearning for him to take the leap and press his lips against mine. The anticipation fills the air, almost tangible. The room filled with a silent plea, the desperate longing for him to make a move. My senses heightened, every sight, sound, and smell etched into my memory. Time seems to stand still as I silently pray for him to bridge the gap between us. Three long years of searching and wanting culminate in this fleeting moment, where hesitation has no place.

As I stumble through my words, they gradually fade away. I find myself lost, unsure of what to say or which direction to take. This unfamiliar terrain leaves me longing for his tender kiss, his gentle touch, and the warmth of his presence within me. The desire to give every ounce of me to him overwhelms me, consuming my thoughts and filling my heart with a sense of longing.

Love at first sight is real, a moment etched in time. As I gaze into his eyes, the world fades away, replaced by a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. My heart races, a gentle tremor coursing through my veins. I am certain, with every fiber of my being, that he is my destined soulmate. The anticipation builds like a crackling fire, ready to ignite. I yearn for his kiss, for the electrifying touch that will ignite our love. The seconds tick by, and I feel the heat intensify within me. If he doesn't kiss me soon, I fear I may combust, consumed by the fiery passion that now engulfs me.

Writers Note: This chapter was originally 1400 words and is now 3000 words. My goodness it took me all day to rewrite it and get it edited. But definitely a vast improvement. Feel free to support my writing by commenting and voting. I would love to see your thoughts. Have a great day! Hugs, Sapphirian J!