OFF LIMITS

Chapter 1 

SLOANE 

“Happy birthday Sloane!” My mother’s voice filled the living room. She had this blue top and these black pants on and this tiara that has “happy birthday” written boldly on it. 

It’s my eighteenth birthday and in my mother’s living room where all my friends are, and by all my friends, I mean, Jasper, the son of my mother’s best friend who has been tied to my hip since we were seven. My little sister, Jasper’s mother, and my father. 

It was just us, standing in front of this big red velvet cake that Jasper’s mum, Aunt Louisa who happens to be one of the best chefs in the city made for me. 

“Thank you, aunty!” I leaned into her, placing my head on her chest. Her hands gently stroke my hair. 

“Of course, Darling. You’re an adult now, I’m so excited.” She giggled. 

We all sat around the table, eating and drinking when I realized someone was missing. 

Xaden. 

Jasper’s older brother is the one guy I have been attracted to since I was much younger. 

And he is six years older than me. 

Xaden was always quiet and distant but he was also friendly when necessary. He had always caught my eyes and I have always felt like there was something between us. 

Call me delusional, have you seen Xaden? 

He is so handsome, he has this full neatly trimmed hair, his very light blue eyes which look like those of his mum is always so intoxicating and seductive, especially when he stares deep into my eyes. His deep voice which for some reason, makes my belly grumble. He is tall and athletic but he doesn’t do sports, he is kind of a nerd but also outgoing. 

He and I do not really have a close relationship but when we talk, there is always this pull between us. He knows how to make me laugh, how to take care of me, and with me, I am always myself and by myself I mean. 

Razz and very flashy. 

Jasper prefers to be calm and collected and since he was my only friend whom I was afraid to lose, I pretended to be calm and collected. 

Hiding the flashy side I took after my mother. 

I stepped away from the dining table, and I walked out the door, going to the back of the house where I knew Xaden would be. 

And there he was, sitting in my father’s garden, looking up at the beautiful stars in the sky. 

“What are you doing out here, the party is inside,” I muttered, tucking my hair behind my ears as I moved closer to him. 

He turned to me, his blue eyes, searching mine, and, his lips slightly curled into a shy smile. 

“Sloane? What are you doing out here?” He asked, not blinking, not looking away, almost like he wanted me to stay. 

“I should be asking you. It’s my birthday and you didn’t even wish me and here you are hiding away… and where is my gift?” I grumbled, glaring at him, hands stretched out. 

His lips curled wider and wider until he let out a mocking sweet intoxicating laugh. 

“Forgive me, your highness, I just wanted to see the stars before coming in and I didn’t have the time to pack your gift on my way from college so I … I was doing that here.” He said and I swear I saw a light blush on his cheek. 

That’s exactly why I always assume that there is something there. 

“So what did you get?” I asked, stepping in closer. 

He tapped on the bench and moved away, creating space, “Come.” He said. 

I didn’t think twice before running to sit next to him. 

We both sat there in silence until he placed something before my sight. 

It was a mini packaging bag that had another box inside it. 

It’s not what I think it is… is it? 

I took the bag from him and opened the box and my freaking goodness, it is exactly what I thought it was. 

“You…” 

“Yes, I found that necklace you had on your wishlist, it was hard to find… but … happy birthday, Sloane.” His voice was calm and low and sweet. 

I bit my lower lip, fighting back the squeal that almost burst out. 

That necklace has been on my wishlist since I was twelve and he only saw it once when he came into my room at the request of my mother. 

How did he even remember? 

How did he even find it? 

How did he even afford it? 

“Do you like it?” He asked. 

Is he serious? 

“Oh… Xaden, I could kiss you right now, how could I ask if I like it… I love it!!!” I ended up squealing. 

“Can I wear it now?” I asked, finding his eyes and I saw him frozen, throat bobbing, face flushed. 

Huh? 

Why is he blushing? 

His eyes flickered, head bowed like he was embarrassed, he took the necklace from me and placed it gently around my neck, his fingers traced them on my body, and like a freaking wave of electricity, I jolted and it hit me. 

Shit.., I saw I would kiss him. 

Why did I .., I mean… he does have kissable lips. 

If I try to kiss him, would he stop me? 

I am an adult now after all. 

Would he think it’s weird? 

“Can I kiss you, Sloane?” He asked and I felt my heart sink right into my belly. With my back still turned to him, I felt beads of sweat plastered all over my forehead, shivers of excitement travel through my body and I turned, slow and steady. 

His cheeks were as red as a freaking tomato, and his lips were wet and pink. 

Hell yes! 

Kiss me! 

“Yes,” I answered. 

And like a hungry beast, as if he had been waiting for this day, he grabbed his neck and buried his lips on mine. His tongue toured my mouth, fought for dominance with my tongue. His other hand grabbed my waist and he pulled me closer. 

I was breathless but I loved the heat, the feel of his tongue, the wetness of his lips on mine. The way he moaned into my mouth when he changed position, the way I moaned into his mouth as he bit my lower lip. The way he sucked on my lips, the way he kept pressing deeper like he wanted more taste of my mouth, the way I reached for him desperately. 

This is the best birthday ever…. Or so I thought. 

——- 

We never saw each other again. He never came to me, he never searched for me, he never took responsibility, he never looked for me, it was though that night never existed. 

It’s been five years and I'm still here, still wearing that necklace he hung around my neck, still recalling every detail of that kiss, still feeling every touch, every wetness. 

For the last five years, being friends with Jasper has been my anchor, I lost two people close to me. I lost my father and I lost the one man I have ever loved, the man who remained my model for every man that crossed my path, the man who always popped in my head, making it impossible for me to love anyone or like anyone or even be with anyone. 

I didn’t mind. I really didn’t mind. 

I was fine. 

I was healed. 

I had moved on. 

So why am I standing in front of him, looking like a fool? 

Why is he here? 

Why didn’t Jasper tell me that he lives with them? 

He is an adult and he should have his own house so why is he living in the house I just moved into?