the fourth night, Ava no longer pretended she was only there for design advice. She arrived early, wearing a soft sweater that felt good against her skin, and settled into her usual spot against the pillar.
Theo noticed immediately. "New sweater?" he asked, amusement threading his tone. "It sounds soft. I like imagining how it would feel under my hands."
Ava's cheeks burned. "You're dangerous, you know that?"
"Only with you." His voice turned serious. "Tell me what you're afraid of, Ava. Really."
The rain fell harder, masking the world outside. She spoke haltingly at first — the pressure of deadlines, the fear that she would always be the woman who created beauty for others but never claimed any for herself. The quiet terror that she might end up alone in one of her own silent spaces.
Theo listened with such focused attention it felt like being held.
"When I walk through this building in my time," he said quietly, "it's beautiful. But it feels empty. Like something vital is missing. I think that something is you."
Her heart clenched. Desire and longing twisted together until she couldn't separate them.
"Theo…" she breathed.
"I wish I could step through time right now," he continued, voice growing huskier. "I'd pull you against me, feel your body soften into mine. I'd kiss that spot just below your ear until you shivered. Then lower… until you were trembling for more."
Ava's hand slid unconsciously to her throat, then lower, resting just above her breast. Her nipples tightened against her bra. She bit her lip to hold back a soft sound.
"Touch yourself for me tonight," he whispered. "Just lightly. Let me hear how much you want this."
Her fingers obeyed before her mind could protest. Light circles over fabric, breath coming faster. Theo's voice guided her — slow, praising, telling her how beautiful she sounded when she sighed his name. The orgasm that finally washed over her was gentle but deep, leaving her boneless against the concrete while rain drummed overhead.
Afterward, he stayed with her, voice tender. "You're not alone anymore, Ava. Not while I can still reach you."