Best Friend’s Father’s Dark Lessons - Chapter 4: Chapter 4

The words tumbled out before I could catch them.
"Uncle Richard, Sophia mentioned you never remarried. What's your ideal type, if you don't mind me asking?"
His fingers paused mid-motion. A slow, knowing smile curled at the edges of his lips.
"Me?" He let out a low chuckle. "I've always had a soft spot for innocence. Someone sweet... someone I can protect."
"What about age?" I pressed, my voice barely steady. "Does that matter to you?"
His dark eyes locked onto mine, sharp and unreadable. "Why do you ask?"
"I just... want to know you better." My heartbeat pounded so loudly I was sure he could hear it. I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing myself.
"Why?" His voice dropped, rough and demanding.
"Because—"
The confession burned on my tongue. The fear of rejection clawed at me—but if I didn't say it now, would I ever get the courage again?
"Because I like you."
Silence.
I cracked my eyes open, steeling myself for disgust—
A sudden force pinned me to the mattress.
Richard loomed above me, his fingers brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear. His pupils were blown wide, his breath hot and uneven against my skin.
"Thank you, Emily."
He buried his face in the crook of my neck, breathing me in like I was oxygen.
I shivered, bewildered.
"Thank you... for saying it first." His teeth skimmed my collarbone, sending a jolt through me. "Now I don't have to hold back."