Emily's mind spiraled, her heart pounding with uncertainty. Should she trust him? Should she take that terrifying leap?
Emily (voice trembling): "Ryan, what if you hurt me? What if I'm just another project, something to fix—"
Ryan (interrupting, firm yet gentle): "You're not a project, Emily. You're a person. A woman I want."
Emily (averting her gaze): "But I'm not normal."
Ryan (chuckling, tilting her chin up): "Who the hell wants normal?"
Emily's lips parted, but words failed her.
---
**Ryan's POV**
Her flushed cheeks, the way her fingers twitched—she was unraveling under his gaze. Ryan clenched his jaw, holding himself back. He needed to prove himself, to show her he wasn't going anywhere.
Ryan (huskily): "Emily, I'm not leaving."
Emily (whispering): "You say that now…"
Ryan (leaning in, voice dropping to a whisper): "I'll keep saying it. Until you believe me."
He reached for her slowly, testing. Emily didn't pull away. Instead, she let out a shaky breath.
---
**The Alters' POV**
Inside, the system was in chaos.
**Ivy:** "She's shutting down. If she crashes, Echo—"
**Eli:** "Wait… something's different."
Ryan suddenly pulled Emily onto his lap, his grip secure but careful. Her gasp filled the air as he lifted her, turning and laying her gently onto the bed.
**Mira:** "What is he—"
**Nia (intrigued):** "He's grounding her."
Ryan hovered over Emily, his hands on either side of her head, his breath warm against her skin.
Ryan (softly): "Breathe, Emily."
Emily obeyed, her fingers hesitantly resting on his chest.
Emily (whispering): "I'm scared."
Ryan (brushing her hair back): "I know. But I'm not going anywhere."
She searched his eyes, looking for deception, but found only raw devotion.
**Ash (grumbling):** "Damn it, he's serious."
Emily closed her eyes, absorbing the moment. And for the first time, she didn't feel alone.
**Ryan's POV:**
As Emily spiraled into a whirlwind of emotions, Ryan couldn't help but find it both frustrating and endearing. The way her mind raced, her confusion battling with her desire to trust him—he loved it all. She was so beautifully fragile, and he could feel the intensity of her hesitation. But even as she spiraled, Ryan held himself back. He longed to claim her, to make her his completely, but he knew he needed to give her space.
His mind raced with thoughts of the future, of plans he had already set in motion, all to make Emily feel safe, cherished, and adored. He imagined showing her just how much she meant to him, how special she was. In his eyes, she wasn't just anyone—she was a goddess, and no one could ever compare to her. His thoughts swirled with dark desires, but he kept them hidden, burying them beneath layers of restraint.
Before he could move any closer, before he could act on the overwhelming urge to kiss her, the door to the room opened.
---
**The Alters' POV:**
**Demi:** *"Why is he still holding back? He has her right where he wants her."*
**Ash:** *"He's got the restraint of a saint... but I don't trust him, not completely."*
**Mira:** *"Why does he need to restrain himself so much? What does he truly want from her?"*
**Luna:** *"He seems to care... but does he understand what he's dealing with?"*
**Ivy:** *"I don't like this. I don't like how he makes her feel. It's too much too soon."*
**Eli:** *"I still think she should stay away. Too dangerous, too fast."*
---
**Ryan's POV:**
Ryan's body stiffened as the door clicked open, his gaze locking on Kia and Miko. They stood in the doorway, their expressions a mixture of surprise and amusement. Miko stepped forward first, raising an eyebrow but saying nothing. Kia, on the other hand, seemed too caught up in the awkwardness to hide her grin.
Ryan sighed inwardly, his moment interrupted, but his calm demeanor never wavered. He turned his attention back to Emily, his eyes softening as he noticed the way she looked up at him, still trembling slightly. He didn't move closer, but his eyes never left hers.
---
**Kia (smirking):**
"Well, well. Looks like I came at a... *bad* time."
**Miko (stoic):**
"You should probably give them some space. Boss."
Ryan's gaze flicked to Miko before turning back to Emily. He gave her a gentle smile, the moment between them still hanging heavy in the air, but the unexpected interruption had at least provided Emily with some needed distance. It was for the best. For now, at least.
---