XI

REBECCA

Artemy abruptly left me standing in my room, leaving me in a state of shock. He didn't even spare me a second glance as he walked out. My mind was racing with confusion and a million questions. What had just happened?

As I stood there, my fingers still trembling and touching my swollen lips, I realized how different this kiss had been. It was nothing like the kisses I had shared with Raffaele. With Artemy, there was a unique intensity that I had never experienced before. Despite its possessiveness and forcefulness, there was an underlying gentleness to it. It was as if he wanted me to truly feel him, to savor the moment. It was simultaneously sensual and overpowering, making me feel completely out of control. And yet, I couldn't deny the strange allure it held for me. Why didn't I find it repulsive?

Feeling breathless and disoriented, I glanced around my room, desperately searching for something that could anchor me and help me make sense of the whirlwind of emotions I was exp