The Spaces Between Us

EPISODE 2 – “The Space Between Us”

The hum of the car was soft, low like a purr. Rain whispered against the windows, city lights casting a golden glow that danced over Enzo’s sharp features. Elias sat quietly, fingers curled in his lap, trying not to stare.

Enzo hadn’t said a word since he told him to get in.

But his presence filled the space between them like smoke thick, warm, and impossible to ignore.

Elias peeked at him again.

He was still shirtless.

Still unfairly handsome.

Tan skin glowing under the lights, those green eyes catching Elias’s and making his heart skip in the worst or best way?

“I—” Elias started, his voice too soft, too shaky.

Enzo turned to him, one brow raised. “Something wrong, bunny?”

Elias shook his head quickly. “N-No. Just… cold.”

Enzo leaned forward. Not fast. Not rough. Just enough to press a warm blanket into Elias’s lap. And then his fingers lingered, brushing over Elias’s hand sending a shiver that had nothing to do with the rain.

“You’re freezing,” Enzo murmured, his voice low, like velvet and smoke. “You always this easy to shake?”

Elias swallowed. “Only when someone like you looks at me like that.”

There was a pause.

Something flickered behind Enzo’s eyes.

Then, without warning, he leaned in just a little. His fingers brushed Elias’s jaw, then traced lightly down his neck. Elias held his breath, not sure what would happen next… but not wanting to pull away.

Their faces were close. Too close.

“Enzo…” Elias whispered, cheeks flushed.

Enzo’s hand paused.

And then he smiled. Just barely. “You’re not ready, bunny.”

Elias blinked. “W-What?”

Enzo leaned back, his touch gone, his voice smooth again. “You want something, but you don’t know what. I’m not the kind of man who takes what isn’t given freely.”

And just like that, the moment passed tension melting into something warmer. Safer.

Elias curled up in the blanket, still feeling the ghost of Enzo’s touch.

He didn’t understand this man. But a strange part of him was starting to want to.

Not because Enzo was dangerous.

Not because he was handsome.

But because, in that one quiet moment…

He made Elias feel like he mattered.

Elias didn’t know where to look. Every time he tried to glance away, his eyes wandered right back to Enzo.

His bare chest rose and fell so calmly, like this moment meant nothing to him. But Elias knew better. There was something under the surface, something watching him, pulling him in without a single word.

The car ride was too quiet.

Too intimate.

“Why me?” Elias finally asked, his voice quiet but curious.

Enzo turned his head, not answering right away. He looked out the window as the rain streamed down the glass, his expression unreadable.

“You reminded me of something,” he said simply. “Or someone.”

“That’s… vague.”

A soft chuckle escaped Enzo’s lips. “You don’t need to know everything just yet.”

Elias frowned a little but said nothing. The blanket in his lap felt heavier now, warmer too maybe from the weight of Enzo’s gaze. He could feel it, sliding over him like velvet, lingering on the flush of his cheeks and the curve of his lips.

“You keep staring,” Elias mumbled.

“You keep blushing.”

“That’s not fair.”

“Neither am I.”

Enzo leaned forward again, just a little closer this time. Not touching. Just letting the air between them thicken.

“If I kissed you now,” he said, voice like a secret, “would you stop me?”

Elias froze. “I…”

Enzo watched him, eyes low-lidded and calm. “Exactly.”

The car rolled to a slow stop. Elias hadn’t even realized they’d reached the mansion.

The driver didn’t say a word. He knew better than to interrupt.

Enzo stepped out first, the rain having slowed to a gentle drizzle. He walked around the car and opened the door for Elias, holding out a hand.

Elias hesitated.

Then placed his hand in Enzo’s.

Warm. Strong. Careful.

As Elias stood, he felt that same tension crackle between them again unspoken, sweet, and a little dangerous. But Enzo didn’t pull him close this time. He just looked down, thumb brushing lightly over Elias’s knuckles.

“Not tonight,” Enzo whispered. “But soon.”

Elias followed him into the mansion, heart beating too fast.

He didn’t know what this was yet.

But whatever it was… it had already begun.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***