Pleasure

Hazel's mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The boy who had once saved her life was now the man who had turned it upside down. Francisco, with his dark past and dangerous present, was the same person she had wanted to thank all those years ago. Her heart felt heavy with the irony of it all.

Francisco, sensing her turmoil, rose from her bosom, his breath ragged. He moved up to her face, their eyes locking with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine.

“This man!” Hazel thought, her hand reaching up to touch his face. She had been so eager to thank that boy, but knowing it was Francisco brought a storm of emotions.

“It’s me, Hazel. The one you wanted to thank,” Francisco said softly, breaking into her thoughts.

Hazel parted her lips, wanting to say something, anything, but words failed her. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. Finally, she spoke words that felt both true and false, driven by a mixture of gratitude and her hidden agenda, “Then I am thanking yo