Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt Vale 32 Summary
In Chapter 32 of “Winds Carry Lost Promises,” Marina finds herself in a tense yet exhilarating situation as she arrives at Daron’s apartment. The bluntness of the driver leaves her no choice but to follow Daron into the elevator, her heart racing with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. As they enter his living space, Daron casually undresses, revealing his impressive physique, which leaves Marina both captivated and embarrassed. Their playful banter begins when Daron teasingly comments on her reaction, prompting a mix of emotions in her as she grapples with her attraction and the awkwardness of the moment.
As Daron disappears into the bathroom, Marina is left to explore his closet, where she discovers a vibrant array of clothing that defies her expectations. She imagines how striking Daron would look in a pink shirt, and her mind races with possibilities. When Daron reemerges, their playful exchange continues as he warns her against dreaming of him wearing the outfit, highlighting their flirtatious dynamic. Marina feels a thrill as she admires his physique, reminding herself that she is merely appreciating the beauty before her.
The atmosphere shifts as Marina finds a figurine in Daron’s living room, a piece that connects her to her past and her passion for gaming. This discovery stirs a wave of nostalgia, reminding her of a time when gaming provided her refuge during difficult moments. However, her excitement is met with Daron’s indifference, leading to feelings of disappointment and irritation. As she attempts to engage him further about the figurine, she realizes that he may not share the same emotional connection, deepening her frustration.
In a moment of spontaneity, Marina helps Daron with his cuff, hoping for a small acknowledgment of her gesture. However, his silence leaves her feeling unappreciated, and she musters the courage to ask if she can have the figurine. Their conversation reveals a shared connection to the piece, yet Daron’s nonchalant response leaves her feeling deflated. As she reflects on the circumstances surrounding the figurine’s significance, she decides that rather than relying on Daron, she will reach out to the developers directly to reclaim a piece of her past, showcasing her determination and unwillingness to let go of something that means so much to her.
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**Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt Vale**
**Chapter 32**
The driver had delivered his words with a bluntness that left Marina no room for protest. With a resigned sigh, she stepped out of the car, feeling the cool air wrap around her as she followed Daron into the elevator, her heart racing with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.
As the elevator doors slid open on his floor, Daron wasted no time. He began unbuttoning his shirt, the fabric loosening with each flick of his fingers as he stepped inside.
Once they crossed the threshold, he tossed the shirt casually over the arm of the sofa, revealing a back that was a masterpiece of toned muscles—a sculpted expanse that radiated an undeniable aura of masculinity.
Marina felt her cheeks flush, her breath hitching in her throat as she stared in awe, completely captivated by the sight before her.
Suddenly, Daron halted in his tracks, and she nearly collided with him, her momentum carrying her forward until she skidded to a stop just in time.
He turned around, bending slightly as he flashed her a charming smile, his voice smooth and rich like dark chocolate. “Ms. Finley, you might want to wipe that drool off your chin.”
In a reflexive motion, she swiped at her mouth, finding nothing there. Realization dawned on her—he had playfully tricked her, and her face burned a deeper shade of crimson.
Daron chuckled, a deep, throaty sound that echoed in the room, before disappearing into the bathroom, leaving her to grapple with her embarrassment.
Meanwhile, the driver lugged some items upstairs, depositing them before gesturing to Marina. “Ms. Finley, you’ll find Mr. Zamora’s everyday wear in this walk-in closet. Feel free to put together an outfit.”
She nodded, a spark of determination igniting within her. “Will do.”
As she stepped into Daron’s closet, her expectations were blown away. Instead of a monotonous sea of gray and black suits, she was greeted by an array of styles and cuts, meticulously organized by color.
Her eyes were immediately drawn to the vibrant pink section. A pink shirt paired with crisp white dress pants caught her fancy, and she couldn’t help but imagine how striking he would look in that ensemble.
Her mind raced, trying to visualize it, but she found herself at a loss. With his striking features and impressive physique, she was certain he could pull it off effortlessly.
Just then, Daron emerged from the bathroom, his hair still damp from a quick shower, droplets glistening as they slid down his forehead and along his chiseled jawline.
He stepped into the closet to find Marina lost in thought, her fingers grazing her chin as she contemplated the pink outfit hanging before her. “Don’t even think about it!” he warned, a teasing note in his voice.
Bette had once insisted he wear that very set, but he had ignored it ever since.
Marina smirked, her lips curling mischievously. “I wouldn’t dare suggest you wear it, but dreaming about it isn’t against the law, is it?”
She turned to face him, her grin turning sly. “Is it?”
Daron, now shirtless, was rubbing a towel through his damp black hair, and the sight of him made her heart race.
His body was a flawless work of art, complemented by that godlike face—a perfect blend of strength and beauty. It was no wonder that experts recommended women take a moment to appreciate the allure of well-built men.
Studies showed that admiring such eye candy could even reduce mortality risk, igniting the brain’s reward center and releasing joy-inducing dopamine.
Marina wasn’t ogling; she was merely appreciating the beauty of the human form in all its glory.
After convincing herself of that, she locked eyes with Daron, no longer shying away from his gaze.
If he had the audacity to parade around without a shirt, he couldn’t very well complain about her staring. So she stared, her thoughts racing, ‘What’s stopping me? Many might look away, but not me. No harm, no foul.’
Daron shifted uncomfortably under her intense scrutiny and draped the towel across his chest. “Get out.”
“Of course, Mr. Zamora,” she replied, feigning bravado as she stepped out, her ears still flushed with warmth.
Daron dropped the towel and began dressing as Marina peeked her head back in, curiosity getting the better of her.
He quickly grabbed the towel again, using it as a makeshift shield.
“Mr. Zamora, the clothes I selected are right there on the rack,” she gestured toward the array of garments, her tone light.
“Got it,” he mumbled, his focus still on his attire.
Marina retreated to the living room, sinking into the plush sofa, a sense of satisfaction bubbling within her. She had finally managed to get back at Daron for his earlier teasing.
Feeling quite pleased with herself, she leaned back and absorbed the room’s decor, noting the subtle elegance of the layout.
The last time she had been here, nerves had clouded her senses, preventing her from truly appreciating her surroundings. Now, however, she noticed a whole wall dedicated to gaming merchandise, each piece carefully displayed.
Intrigued, she rose without a second thought, wandering over to a corner where her eyes landed on a figurine based on a skin design she had submitted years ago.
The developers hadn’t chosen her entry, and she had missed their follow-up due to some personal drama. When they couldn’t reach her, they opted for someone else’s design instead.
Still, they had graciously sent her a few consolation prizes afterward.
Thinking back, that was nearly a decade ago. Kathy had just divorced Carter and had dragged her to Sicester.
The city had felt like an entirely different world, transforming her into a full-blown gaming enthusiast.
That game had been her refuge during one of the dullest, most challenging phases of her life.
Had she not spotted this figurine, she might have completely forgotten about entering that contest.
Cradling the figurine in her hands, she marveled at how it was an exact replica of her original sketch, capturing even the tiniest quirks she could still vividly recall.
The design radiated her teenage spirit—innocent, whimsical, and bursting with color.
Just then, Daron emerged from the closet, fully dressed, and Marina couldn’t help but wave the figurine in front of him, her excitement bubbling over. “How did you manage to get this?”
He glanced at it briefly, shrugging nonchalantly. “Can’t remember.”
A wave of disappointment washed over Marina.
Daron’s attention shifted elsewhere as he fiddled with his cuff, frustration creeping into his demeanor when the button slipped through his fingers.
In a moment of spontaneity, Marina reached up, her slim hand securing the button for him. He looked up, surprised.
She flashed him a bright smile and deftly fastened the other cuff as well, her heart racing with the thrill of the moment.
Daron simply watched her, silent and ungrateful, which made her heart sink a little.
She paused, hoping for a word of thanks, a small acknowledgment that would allow her to segue into asking about the figurine. But nothing came. ‘What a jerk!’ she thought, irritation flaring within her.
Marina tilted her head, meeting his gaze, hesitating before finally blurting out, “Mr. Zamora, would you consider letting me have this figurine?”
He remained silent, seemingly weighing her request.
She held his gaze, refusing to back down. She thought, ‘How have I never noticed how much taller he is than me before?’
Just when she was about to give up, his low voice broke the silence. “Why?”
Marina replied earnestly, “It’s tied to some wonderful memories from my youth.”
Daron’s response was almost immediate. “Same for me.”
“Er…” She scratched her head, momentarily stumped, searching for a clever comeback.
She remembered that his display case was filled with figurines from nearly every launch hero, including various pre-update versions.
Daron had to be an original player, an OG, but perhaps not the most skilled at the game.
She couldn’t justify asking him to give it up.
What frustrated her further was the realization that since the developers had overlooked her design, Daron wouldn’t have those specific details unless they had crafted a custom piece just for him.
Given his influence and the substantial amount he likely spent on in-game purchases, it made sense that he would have received something special like that.
But she couldn’t shake the thought, ‘Surely, it never crossed their minds to connect the actual creator with one?’
That frustration soured her expression, and she quickly abandoned the idea of trying to coax it out of Daron.
No, she would reach out to the developers directly. If they didn’t provide her with a copy, she wouldn’t let it slide.
Conclusion
As Marina stood in the elegantly decorated living room, the weight of her emotions settled around her like a familiar cloak. The initial thrill of being in Daron’s presence had morphed into a complex blend of admiration and frustration. She had ventured into this encounter with a sense of lightheartedness, but the reality of their dynamic was more intricate than she had anticipated. The figurine in her hands served as a tangible reminder of her past, a symbol of her youthful dreams that had been overshadowed by the disappointments of adulthood. Yet, in that moment, she felt a flicker of determination igniting within her. Rather than letting the missed opportunity define her, she resolved to reclaim her narrative, to reach out to the developers and assert her rightful place in the story she had once hoped to tell.
Daron, oblivious to the emotional tempest swirling within Marina, remained a puzzle she was eager to solve. His nonchalance in response to her excitement about the figurine stung, but it also fueled her resolve to not only pursue her own aspirations but to understand the man behind the enigmatic facade. As she contemplated her next steps, a newfound clarity emerged; this wasn’t just about the figurine or the past—it was about embracing her identity and the courage to confront her desires. With each passing moment in Daron’s world, she felt herself shedding layers of insecurity, inching closer to the person she was meant to be. The winds of change had begun to stir, carrying with them the lost promises of yesterday, and Marina was ready to let them guide her toward a brighter future.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
As the tension between Marina and Daron thickens, readers can anticipate a deeper exploration of their complex relationship. With the figurine serving as a poignant reminder of their shared past in the gaming world, the next chapter promises to delve into the emotional undercurrents that bind them. Will Marina confront Daron about the significance of the figurine and the memories it evokes? Or will they continue to dance around their feelings, caught in a web of playful banter and unspoken desires? The stakes are high, and the air is charged with unacknowledged attraction that could either propel them closer together or drive them apart.
Moreover, as Marina resolves to contact the developers about her past design, her determination may lead her on a journey of self-discovery. Readers can expect to see her navigate the challenges of reclaiming her voice and her creativity, perhaps even uncovering more about Daron’s past in the process. Will their shared history in the gaming community bring them closer, or will it expose rifts that threaten to unravel their budding connection? With secrets lurking just beneath the surface, the next chapter is sure to be a thrilling ride filled with unexpected twists, heartfelt revelations, and the tantalizing possibility of romance.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
