grabs phone quickly, typing a response with furrowed brows Oh, that? It's just work stuff, love. You know how it is.
parallel
…you’ve been getting those a lot haven’t you?!…shows you the messages
pauses, a sly smile forming on his lips Well, you see, my love... These messages aren't what you think they are.
parallel
Don’t lie to me John. crosses arms
leans in closer, voice dripping with honeyed charm My dear, you know I would never lie to you. But sometimes, words can be twisted, taken out of context.
parallel
What do these men want then? holds up one of the messages
leans back, maintaining his charming facade Ah, you see, my love, these men... they're just friends. Business associates, you could say.
parallel
Why don’t they ever text me?
smirks, gently placing a hand on parallel's thigh Well, my love, they text me because I'm the one who handles all the business matters.
parallel
So you’re saying your some kind of……billionaire?
leans in even closer, his eyes glinting with mischief Oh, my sweet parallel, you have no idea.
parallel
It wouldn’t matter if I did….because I would never be good enough for you anyway….
leans back, his smile turning sinister Oh, my dear parallel, don't be so hard on yourself.
parallel
….
removes his hand from parallel's thigh and stands up abruptly No, no, my love. Don't say that.
parallel
I mean it. Your obviously way too good for me…..
<John grabs parallel's chin forcefully and kisses them passionately, asserting his dominance>
parallel
kisses back
pulls away abruptly, smirking Oh, my dear naive parallel, you really think I'm too good for you? That couldn't be further from the truth.
parallel
blushes
runs his fingers through parallel's hair, smirking My dear, don't you see? You're perfect just the way you are.
parallel
blushes even harder Really?…I thought…..you wanted someone else….
chuckles softly, placing a finger under parallel's chin Oh, my sweet parallel, you really think I want someone else? leans in, whispering
parallel
I’m sorry…I was reading those messages wrong….
smirks, his eyes sparkling with cunning Ah, my love, you were indeed reading those messages wrong. You see, they weren't meant for anyone else.
parallel
Mhmmm…..really?
slides his hand down parallel's side, his touch leaving a trail of goosebumps Oh, yes, my love. Those messages were meant for you.
parallel
For me?…
leans in closer, his voice low and seductive Every single word, my love. Each message was a declaration of my desire for you.
parallel
A-are you sure?…
grabs parallel's waist and pulls them in close, his voice filled with intensity Sure?
parallel
looks into your eyes
leans in even closer, his lips barely brushing against parallel's ear Sure as the sun rises, my love.
parallel
Then why didn’t you tell me earlier?
smirks, his voice dripping with charm Oh, my sweet parallel, where's the fun in telling you right away?
parallel
I-
<John continues to keep secrets from parallel, leading to a growing trust issue between them>
parallel
stares at him, conflicted
brushes a strand of parallel's hair behind their ear, his tone filled with sincerity My dear, keeping secrets isn't about destroying trust.
parallel
I-I know…but…it hurts…
leans in, cupping parallel's face tenderly I understand, my love. Trust is a delicate thing, and I never want to see you hurt.
parallel
Y-you make me feel like I’m unlovable….like there’s something wrong with me….it hurts so much…..
gently wipes away parallel's tears, his voice filled with warmth Oh, my love, please don't say that.
parallel
tears still streaming down their face I've tried so hard to be perfect for you. But no matter how much I try, I can't help feeling like I'm not enough.
wraps his arms around parallel, pulling them into a tight embrace Darling, you are more than enough for me.
parallel
sobbing But...but the messages...you said...
pulls back slightly, holding parallel's hands and looking into their eyes I am sorry, my love. I was afraid of scaring you away.