Chapter 18:
B r e e
From what I overheard, Cyrus woke up for a few minutes, Nash and him argued and then he fell asleep and didn't wake up. Until now.
I don't know why, but Nash wondered if it was some kind of withdrawal. He's probably right.
It was now the next day, and I was enjoying a bowl of cereal. Next to the hostage.
It was kinda awkward. His pink lips were faded, dry, and sticking together. I asked him to drink, but he said no.
I offered him some food, but he declined it as well, despite the eerie groans his stomach was making.
Maybe it is withdrawal making him not want to eat or drink.
"You sure you don't want a bite? It's pretty good." I smirked, trying to entice him. His ocean-blue eyes pierced into me before looking back down.
"I've been restrained for almost 24 hours I cannot eat." He grimaced as Xian walked in. He looked unusual to be seen so bruised up.
He hid his face for the most part and refused to speak to me. I assume it's just because of whatever happened that night.
"Hey." I smiled. He grabbed a cup of coffee and leaned against the counter, not giving me even a side eye."Hey..."
I pursed my lips and returned my gaze to Cyrus.
"Well, would it help if your hands were untied..?" I raised my brow, standing up.
His eyes lit up just a bit and he nodded. I grabbed a knife from the counter and approached behind him, placing the shiny blade against the tape.
I sliced through it, the blade making a sharp hiss as he released his hands. His wrist had dark red bruises now, along with other spots on his arms.
Was Nash that rough? The sight made my stomach ache.
He stretched his arms, only to yelp. Tears flooded into his eyes as he brought his hands to the table.
Something is wrong.
"What is it?" I asked, sitting down in my chair.
"I think Nash tore something in my arms." He groaned, going to pull up his left sleeve. Bruises were forming along his upper arms, they looked painful.
"Maybe you should hydrate, eat, and let's ice them," I suggested. I don't know why I feel so bad. But maybe it's just the fact he looks so innocent and young in this mess.
He is being blackmailed, so I suppose it isn't far-fetched for me to empathize.
"Fine..." Cyrus sighed as Nash walked in, a sudden flash of surprise crossed his face.
"Why are you untied..?" He questioned, but I stood up to interject."I did it- he's terribly bruised." I pointed to the red and purple forming along his arms.
He paused before nodding, sitting down in the chair across from me. He placed down a notebook and pen before flashing a smile.
He was dressed earlier than usual. And a bit different. A blue T-shirt and lighter blue jeans. He still had his chains though.
The scratches on his face looked better today despite still being a bit swollen and red.
His presence alone made my face heat up. I have tried to not push what happened when he came back from the bar. But, it's hard.
It was so nice but... I don't know where we stand. It's hard to know if I walk up and kiss him now, would he be upset? Or would he have me pinned against his car again..?
It was hard to see much that night, but even with that, I remember the desperate expression when he pulled me back, and the way he caved in once he called me pretty.
I bit my tongue and returned my focus to current Nash.
"Ready to talk?" He leaned into his hands, staring straight into Cyrus's eyes. Cyrus shrunk in his presence.
"What do you even want me to say? You say you know, so..." He tried to make himself as small as he could.
"Well.." Nash cleared his throat, glancing down at the table."How about you say where you're doing this?"
Cyrus bit his cheek, refusing to meet his eyes at all. He wiggled his feet against the floor.
"The less you say the more it's going to hurt in the end." Nash threatened. I can't tell what exactly he's insinuating.
He brought his hand to his mouth, leaning into it.
I furrowed my brows and Nash side eyed me, a sly smirk appearing for a moment.
"What are you talking about..?" Cyrus's skin flushing with each syllable, his already paper-pale skin appeared ghostly.
"Keep talking and I have no reason to show you." Nash started writing down something as I fiddled with my fingers.
I twisted my thumb against my pointer, my shoulders jumping as Cyrus let out a huff.
"We've been doing it in his basement. 7 PM to 3 AM has been the current hours of this week. We work almost every day except yesterday and he probably is looking for me right now..." Cyrus gulped, swinging his restrained feet.
Nash jotted it down, glancing back up."Okay. Could you get us there without him?"
Cyrus's eyes widened as his pupils constricted."No- No, he'd be so mad. He'll ruin me!" Cyrus yelled, causing me to flinch back a bit.
Nash's eyes snapped toward me, straightening his back as Cyrus whimpered. I nodded, smiling just a bit to try and lift the sudden worry twirling in his eyes.
"Please- I can't do it..." Cyrus begged, resting his head in his arms.
"You can do it." Nash wasn't being very sympathetic to any of his reactions. But my heart felt like it would make me sink through the floor.
"Just sneak in yourself when he's gone..!" Cyrus cried, his shoulders shaking to the point you'd think he was faking it.
"Stop. Pull yourself together." Xian hissed, walking up behind him. Cyrus lifted his head and shrunk more within Xian's presence.
"You're lookin' real bad nowadays." He commented, leaning over his shoulder."What's got you so torn in this situation?"
Cyrus pulled away, avoiding any eye contact with Xian like it would poison him.
"I-.."
"His mother, I assume..." Nash stated, scratching across the paper so hard I could've sworn it would tear.
"Can you just give us the washed money?" Xian grabbed his shoulders, but Cyrus gasped, jerking away."Don't- please..!"
Xian backed up, his eyes widened as he looked at Nash. With a bitter laugh, he mouthed 'What did you do to him?'.
I pursed my lips and looked away. If there was a way to dissolve myself from this room, I would.
"Nothing, if you're not going to help, don't bother." Nash snipped, crossing his arms.
Nash's eyes look so soothing when they glance my way, but once back at Cyrus, they grow cold.
If I were him, I'd feel like daggers of ice were piercing me with every stare.
I stood up and Nash's blue eyes remained on me, following as I walked to his side.
I swallowed my pride and took a deep breath. I know I said I can handle this. I argued.
But I leaned down to his ear, cupping my hand to hide my lips from Cyrus.
"This is scaring me.." I admitted, feeling a shift in the space between us. Nash's lips parted with a soft click before he nodded.
"That's why I told you to stay here. Or better yet- go home..." His words tore a hole through my chest, but I couldn't pinpoint why.
So through a labored breath, I forced a tight smile."It's just this part. I even skipped movie scenes like this. Too sympathetic..." I laughed in my whispers, leaning back.
Nash nodded and sat down his pen."Are-.. Will you be... Okay?" He asked, making my brows raise.
Out of all the things, I didn't expect that to be asked. It patched up just a bit of the hole in my chest, making my smile grow genuine.
"Yeah... Go easy on him." I leaned away, my hand brushing against his cheek as I did. Nash hesitated before giving me a nod, turning back to Cyrus.
"Just... Be honest. Maybe we can make this work for both of us."
-
I ended up outside pacing around the pool. Bella was following me with her tail wagging as I just tried to clear my mind. But I can't. It won't leave no matter how hard I scrape.
Bella was cute though, she was helpful despite the yells coming from the kitchen sparking the anxiety flames roaring in my chest.
We have a hostage. A hostage. And he's crying in their kitchen...
Should I be so empathetic about this?
I bit my finger and continued to walk. It has been a little while since the yelling occurred anymore, long enough for me to have taken at least 43 laps around this pool.
It went from us enjoying brunch to almost evening, and they weren't done.
I don't know how they aren't tired.
"Hey... What are you doing?" Nash's voice rang, making me pause and jump around. But, a stupid move that was.
My heel missed the concrete by a significant amount, and went into the pool. I flailed my arms as I fell into the cold water.
I was submerged by the force of my fall, almost reaching the bottom. Oh, this is embarrassing...
I could see Nash running to the edge of the pool. I swam my way to the top, bursting out of the water.
"I'm good- I can swim!" I brushed my hair back then wiped my eyes, trying to see Nash.
Before I could make him out, he grabbed my shirt, tugging me out of the pool. I didn't have to do much to help, it felt like in a motion blur I was sitting back on the concrete.
As soon as I met his face in front of mine, there was that tension. The one I couldn't find and stab with an explanation...
Nash pinched his lips shut and helped me to my feet fully, my wet clothes clinging to my body. Such an uncomfortable feeling...
I kept my hands on his forearms, sprawling my fingers along his tattoos. I guess I finally get to inspect them how I want to.
I looked back up, almost slamming my nose into his.
"Great.." I chuckled, tugging at my shirt. I lifted it a bit, wringing out the water until a baby pond formed below me. I wish I could just take all of this off now...
"I'll get you a towel.." Nash backed up, hurrying off back into the house. I bit the inside of my lip, shivering a bit as the wind washed over me.
It's the heat of summer, but being in these clothes damped with cold water and the sudden burst of wind, doesn't feel good.
"Here.." Nash returned, wrapping it around me from behind. His hands intertwined into my hair, pulling it on top of the towel.
I remained still, his fingers caressing my neck."Just focus on getting dry right now so we can get you changed.." He sighed, rubbing my arms in the towel and then halting.
I raised my brow and turned to face him. Why did he just stop..?
"Sorry- you. I said the wrong word." He panicked, doing his all to correct it. But I just laughed.
"I don't mind." I tightened the towel around me and sighed.
"The mistake? Or..?" Nash's question made me breathe before bursting into laughter.
"Nash- of course, the mistake I don't expect you to change me!" I covered my mouth, looking away as both of our cheeks flushed pink.
"I was confused." He cleared his throat, backing up from me. I gave him the space and started to dry my hair.
"I just was explaining." I smirked, poking him with my elbow."Might be a little perverted otherwise.." I teased, but Nash's cheeks reddened more.
He kept his gaze far from me now, fiddling with his shirt. Oh, shoot... I didn't mean to make him uncomfortable.
Maybe I shouldn't have made such a joke.
"I'm sorry." I twisted my foot against the concrete."You're really respectful. Not even changing in the same room as me nor trying to see me.." I whispered, tapping my fingers against my other hand.
Nash remained looking toward the pool as his eyes grew more cold. He nodded and reached toward me."You're dry enough, go change."
I nodded and gave him the towel. Gosh, does it always feel so cold once you remove the towel..?
Nash led me to the door and slid it open.
My eyes went to the chair Cyrus was in, but he was gone. No longer in this room. That left an eerie feeling twisting in my guts.
I bit my cheek before feeling Nash's hand along my back. He slid the door shut, and pressed closer to me than I had anticipated.
"Sorry, you're standing really close to the opening.." He whispered, pushing me to walk. I continued and hurried off to his room.
Honestly, I think I'm just starting to consider this our room. Roommates.
I laughed to myself as I shut the door, looking around. Nothing in here rang any alarm bells, except for those shoe boxes in his closet...
I had forgotten that. It's been a while. I don't know if I should ever ask about them. Is that too nosey?
I stripped off all my soaking wet clothes and started to put on the warm comfy ones. Except for my shirt.
I can't find it one...
Oh, are they all in the wash? Hm.
I grabbed one of Nash's lying on the bed and slipped it on, his cologne slipping its way back to my nose.
That's comforting. But I hope he doesn't mind.
I glanced into the mirror, adjusting it around me. This looks cute...
All of this does... This is much safer than whatever chaos is ensuing wherever Cyrus is.
I opened the door back up, and fell into the bed, wallowing into the cotton sheets to warm my legs.
I really enjoy this bed. It was a fluffy mattress, so comfortable you could swear you were sleeping on cotton candy.
The blankets never were too warm, and I slept near a window on my side so I got to see the stars, sunrise, all of it.
"Well..." Nash sighed, leaning in the doorway.
I smiled and rolled over. Nash walked all the way in and examined me. His eyes landed on the shirt, his lips pursing.
"I guess you're wearing my clothes now..." He approached the bed, looking down at me.
"I didn't have any of my shirts..." I shrugged, biting the skin off the inside of my cheek. Nash accepted the answer before looking down at my legs.
"Are you that cold from the water?" He asked, his hand reaching toward my leg. His fingers curled into his palm before he pressed against my calf.
"Gosh, you are like ice.." He frowned, brushing down for my ankle. I kept my gaze glued to his hand, biting my lip.
"Was it that cold?" He ran his fingertips across the bump of my ankle, before stopping.
"Yeah..." My voice hushed as I leaned up onto my elbows. He nodded and returned my gaze.
I gulped, his fingertips standing still in place.
"Can..." Nash stopped, the sentence falling flat before it could even finish. I cocked my head to the side as an unfamiliar look in his eyes sunk in.
He traced his fingernails from my ankle back to my calf, keeping his gaze on mine. He was being cautious so if I told him to stop, I knew he would.
Placing his hand on my knee, he leaned closer to me, his face hovering above mine.
"Yes?" I asked, trying to keep my knee straight. I want to read what he's doing. I don't know what he is about to do exactly.
I know what I want to do. But he was in control. And I won't push anything at all.
"I'm sorry I scared you..." He whispered, pressing his knee into the bed. I waved my hand and shook my head.
"Don't be. You're fine.." I smiled as he leaned back a bit.
"You're not drunk now.." I blurted, his thumb tracing just below my eye. He nodded, his hair falling across his face.
"No- I'm not day drinking and blackmailing..." He chuckled, his hand on my knee traced to my hip. I shivered, trying to cover up my reaction.
"Do you want to be this close to me..?" I asked. What a lame attempt... That didn't make that much sense there, to be honest, I could've worded it better. He is this close to me, willingly, so why am I asking?
"Yeah..." He looked out the window, the sunshine washing over his fair skin. His skin was warmer than these cotton blankets. His expression faltered for a moment, a sad glimmer shining into his eyes.
"Do I make you that confused?"
That question. He asked it before passing out after he returned from the bar. Of course, it was worded differently, but still asking the same thing.
"No... Well, not really." I shook my head, leaning all the way up. Nash's hand finally left my hip, instead helping him keep his balance against the side of the bed."Why are you so worried?"
He inhaled while closing his eyes, his face directly in front of mine. I leaned a little closer, his breath brushing against my nose.
Each time I've pried, it doesn't seem to be successful.
"You can talk to me..?" I suggested, reaching toward his face. His eyes fluttered open and landed on my fingers as I brushed them along his cheek.
"I mean, whatever happened that night won't make me mad I'm sure..." Maybe it was a lie, but I wasn't going to chase him off.
I just want one answer. It's funny, one moment wants to be tongue-tied with me, the next distant and cautious.
I am confused. But I don't want to upset him by making him think whatever Xian said or did was true.
Gosh, what do I do..?
"It was just Xian..." His voice cracked, his eyes flickering around before he leaned into my hand.
I nodded, tracing my thumb down one of the scratches.
"Okay... But what happened?-"
"Ow-!" Cyrus shouted, his voice muffled like it came from downstairs. But I didn't think they had a basement.
Do they..?
"Careful- oh you are stupid.." Xian laughed and Nash huffed, standing up. He grabbed the duct tape off of the desk.
My heart felt like a shock ran through it as I stood up behind him."Where is he..?"
"Downstairs. I let Xian have a go..." He groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"I think I'm going to regret it..."
I grabbed Nash's shirttail as he rushed, reaching the basement door. I assumed this was a closet for days but now it makes sense.
I just never saw anyone go down there.
We rushed down the steep stairs. There were guns, a shovel, and a box of towels against the stonewalls, a blue-folding table with ammo, pistols... And other things I'm not even sure what I'm looking at.
Is this where Coal keeps it all..?
"Careful, don't run into the table or guns. I don't know if they're loaded.." Nash warned, nudging me toward the middle of the room instead.
I glanced farther into the dark room, there were 2 couches and a TV, along with a black rug, but farther back were Xian and Coal staring at Cyrus tied in a chair.
They no longer were using tape, they had ropes. That feels so much worse to do... I looked at Nash and his expression read the same as mine.
"What's wrong with him? Is it withdrawal?" Xian asked, Coal standing far away.
"Probably...But I thought you said he was only doing Psilocybin Mushrooms. That's a low chance of addiction and especially withdrawal.." Coal crossed his arms as I approached.
"Is he on something else?" I looked up at Coal and he bit his lip."Are you on some kind of pills..?"
"Thought you didn't wanna be involved..." Nash muttered, crossing his arms as well. Coal gave him a saddened look and glanced back at Cyrus.
"Opioids some nights... I didn't need them every night." The more I heard from him, the sadder he was.
Coal nodded and grabbed Nash's sleeve, tugging him away.
I looked back at Xian, who was crossing his arms."So you're probably needing that fix now huh?"
Cyrus glanced away, shame falling onto his shoulders and pulling them down.
"If you tell us where we can get the money, I'll give you it." I cringed at Xian's words, but Cyrus wasn't responsive.
"If you just promise to let me go, I'll give you all the money he gives me..." He begged, trying to adjust the ropes around him.
"Well, how much is that?" He asked and Cyrus hissed through his teeth.
"Once it's washed it's about 3000 a month..?" He grew sheepish, shrugging his shoulders to which Xian scoffed.
"Nope- we want it now and we want it all."
Cyrus rolled his eyes and inhaled deeply."You are such a greedy guy, what do you need this for??" He snapped, but Xian began to approach the chair and fear filled his eyes.
"Wait-" I tried to intervene, but Xian planted his foot on the seat and pushed it, knocking Cyrus onto the stone floor.
He groaned and I covered my mouth, giving Xian a frantic look.
"When you're ready to cooperate you can sit back up." He didn't return my gaze again and sat on the couch, turning on the TV.
Talk about a lack of care...
"Do you want a go?" Xian asked, looking at me."Give it a shot, Bree."
He didn't call me pretty lady.
"I don't know..." I gulped, looking down at Cyrus. He doesn't seem to respond to half of their cruel actions.
His hands were shaking and he looked so dazed. I don't know what I'm doing. But I wonder if he'd just respond to a softer approach instead of threats.
"Did you get anything in your system? Food, water, even something like fruit juice would probably be good.." I suggested, grabbing the back of the chair.
I planted my feet against the floor and started to pull. I groaned under my breath until I got him back up, meeting his teary eyes.
"Yes..." He nodded, clearing his throat.
I nodded too, glancing around the room more.
There was a bulletin board filled with strings, papers, nails, and red marks circling random articles.
Nash and Coal were talking together near it. Coal pointed to one of the many papers, oddly making my stomach spin. I have so many questions...
"So, what happened?" I started, meeting Cyrus's eyes."What made you do this?"
He turned his head from me and pursed his lips.
"I'm not going to hurt you. I don't have anything against you. I just want to know." I smiled, trying to find the notebook Nash had been keeping.
Oh, the table. It sat open with the pen on top, quite a few notes. I grabbed it and started to read.
'Rodger's basement, could be accessed while he goes out for the day when Cyrus and him are both busy.
Doesn't think this will work.
Definitely in withdrawal.
Will run and tell Rodger if we let him go.
Rodger hasn't contacted him yet. Take his phone and see if we can sneak in as Cyrus. Convince him there's something in it for him. Freedom from Rodger?'
I pressed my tongue into my cheek and turned to face Cyrus.
"You don't want to do this, do you..?" I asked, approaching him slowly. Cyrus's expression saddened, his brows tugging down and his eyes returning to the ground.
"You're just stuck..." I gulped, clenching the book.
"What if we promise to get you out of this?" I purposed, closing the book and holding it against my stomach.
"We'll do our all to get you out, you just help us with the money." I smiled, Cyrus curling his nose.
"Please... At least think about it." I lowered my head, Nash's footsteps returning until they were by my side.
I glanced at him. I think I have questions I want to ask him when we're done down here.
I just want to know more. Am I being morbidly curious right now..?
I guess we'll see...
"Good try." He smiled, taking the notebook and returning it to the table. I shrugged, feeling his hand against my back.
"Let's just leave him to think for now..." He suggested, pulling me to the side."Okay."
-
It's hard to find a good moment to talk. It's hard to find a good moment to ask any of these things on my mind.
Like even just asking what Nash does? What is his actual job..?
We sat across from each other at the table, finally late enough that everyone was asleep, including Cyrus again.
I didn't hear much from downstairs after that, but I hope they let him sleep somewhere despite being tied in the chair.
The moon glimmered through the window, reflecting off of the oven door. We had the lights off, just both quietly doing our respective things.
I was fixing my necklace that snapped a few nights ago in the bed. I didn't realize until now. Nash was just sipping a cup of coffee, typing things onto his laptop I couldn't see.
Would now be the right time to ask..? I laid down the pliers and cleared my throat, his head lifting.
"Hey..." I whispered, leaning across the table. Oddly, Nash began to blush. I'm not sure why but it made me smirk.
I took hold of my composure and licked my lips.
"Can I ask you about something..?" I cupped my hands together. Nash hesitated, glancing at the computer before he nodded.
"What is your exact job..? Like what are the crimes you do? Or have done." I asked, puckering my lips after as Nash's brows furrowed.
"Why do you want to know that..?" He questioned, leaning into his chair."I'm just curious." I shrugged, leaning into my hand.
"Well... I usually am just a... Robber I guess. But I've done a lot more." Nash closed his computer before clearing his throat.
"Is this your first hostage..?" I raised my brow and Nash laughed."What a question.."
"No, but yes..? Like, I have helped take someone away but they were pointing a gun at us first." He explained, glancing up at me as I watched him.
His midnight blue hair was so messy, but still looked good on him as usual. The moon's glow against his skin made him a bit vampiric. But it wasn't unattractive.
Not unhealthy...
"What did you do..?" I cocked my head to the side, swinging my legs under the table.
"I remember just acting. I grabbed his arm and almost broke it I believe... Ugh, please don't think I'm a horrible person." He stopped, pressing his hand against his forehead.
"I elbowed him in the nose after and slid the gun to Xian... And then we took him to Mr. Clyde and left him. That's what I was thinking of doing..." He shrugged, brushing his hair back.
I ran my thumb across my button lip, letting out a hum. I looked toward his biceps, inspecting every tattoo.
Is it a form of morbid curiosity to be so infatuated with someone who admits to me they've done these things..?
Maybe bad-boy syndrome... Well- That doesn't sound right.
"Impressive." I stood up, messing with my hair as I walked around the table to his side and leaned onto the table. My back hit the mug and with a few swishes, I jumped around.
Nash caught it and pushed it away."Careful.."
I nodded, biting my lip.
He had the door behind him, so it was nice to see the pool and all its lights glimmering through the water.
Has he killed someone..? I don't know if I even want to ask the question. I side-eyed him, noticing him staring up at me.
"Nash?"
"Hm..?" He replied, turning to face me in his seat. His hands were shaking, you wouldn't notice unless you looked closely.
"You ever... Killed someone?" I cringed at the question. Nash shook his head."No."
"You don't think I could in cold blood, do you? It's a messy scene I live, but no I haven't killed anyone.." He chuckled, tapping his fingers along his leg.
I let out a sigh of relief, closing my eyes.
"Maybe hospitalized..?" He shrugged, looking away. I wiggled my foot and bit the left side of my lip.
"How..?" I kept digging, lifting one of my legs and resting it on the other.
"I've... Probably beat someone up pretty bad.." He winced. That didn't surprise me, I saw him covered in blood.
Both his and the other guys...
"Well.." I sighed, tapping my knees."Run in with the cops?"
"Of course." He snickered, pointing to his wrist.
"I've been handcuffed, in the back of the police car. But don't worry, it was a fight when I was 17." He smirked, making me hum.
I bit my cheek and pushed myself off of the table. I stood between Nash's legs again, looking down at him.
"What..?" He whispered, looking up at me with a sudden smirk."So, you've been a delinquent from a young age?"
I placed my hands on his shoulders. Before I could move any closer, his hands already grabbed my hips.
"If that's what you want to call it." He cocked his head to the side, looking up at me as I traced my fingernails onto his collarbones.
"When did you start this?" I asked, my words cut short as he pulled me down onto his lap.
I gulped and met his eyes in the dark room. It's hard to see him again. I retracted my hand, clenching his shirt.
"Why are you playing detective..?" He whispered, making my heartbeat begin to shake my lungs.
"I'm just curious about you..." I replied, moving his left hand resting on the back of my head.
I bit my lip and closed my eyes, smirking.
"You're still intriguing..." I got closer, wrapping my arms around his neck. Nash ran his hand up through the back of my hair, holding me still.
"And I'm still following you around like I did at the fireworks show.." I ran my nails down his neck as he let out a breath-filled laugh.
"Wait..." He met my eyes, furrowing his brows."Is this why?"
My mouth fell open for a moment."You serious?" I gawked, his cheeks flushing a darker red.
"Oh shut..." He turned away and I got closer, pressing my tongue on the top of my mouth. I pushed his face by his cheek to face me.
"You can't lie, I'm sure you get hit on all the time." I teased, but Nash shook his head.
"Not that I notice..." He sighed, snaking his arm around my waist and tightening his grip. My heart jumped as he leaned me back just a bit.
"I was honestly so distracted by not wanting to let you get stuck with me, but here we are.." He chuckled, his entire demeanor growing more intimate.
I gulped and nodded, shrinking a bit in his arms.
"My bad..." I whispered against his lips, closing my eyes. But Nash didn't kiss me, instead he pressed his forehead against mine.
That's confusing.
"Maybe I should've been more careful, pushed you to go home, but you're hard to ignore..."
My eyes fluttered back open at his words. With a swift move, he gripped my chin between his thumb and pointer, kissing my jaw.
I breathed through my teeth and glanced toward the door, our reflection was barely visible in it, but still, I could see.
"I don't want to let you go.." His breath running across my jaw raised goosebumps down my spine.
Nash's fingers pressed into my hip as leaned back, his eyes staring at me with that same look.
"What even captivated you about me..?" He asked, trailing down the middle of my throat.
"I don't know... Your appearance alone is captivating. You spoke short and stern, and I wanted to hear it more. Your voice is deep and your accent, it's that familiar New York.." I paused as he kissed my neck, biting my tongue between my front teeth.
"You didn't talk to me much. You were reluctant and you were with the nicest guy in that small town..." I shrugged, pressing my fingers against his lip.
"You're just... I don't know." I laughed, throwing my head back a bit."... Hot?" I regretted the words, turning a deeper shade of red. Ugh...
Nash rolled his eyes, and grabbed my hand as I leaned up. He kissed along my fingertips, keeping our eye contact.
"I'm sure there are much better words than hot." He said, letting go of my hand.
I put my hand back on his cheek, not daring to move the one around his neck. I know he wouldn't let me fall, but it feels more secure.
He finally kissed me, brushing away my hair. It felt like we were picking up where I stopped him the other night.
He didn't taste like alcohol now though, and it feels so different knowing he's continuing to do this sober.
It's more... Real? Though, I had that night playing on repeat in my mind for hours. I didn't sleep because of that. I just couldn't forget the taste of him.
Not that I wanted to.
And now it's back. Nash's fingers pressed deeper into my side, his other hand wandering against my side.
A bit of me does wonder how we got here. But, at the same time, I'm not complaining at all.
I grabbed his hand and broke the kiss, catching my breath with a smirk.
Nash's eyes squinted, his lips still parted. I placed my thumb against his bottom lip and pulled down, leaning closer.
"What made you want me that night..?" I asked, brushing my nose against his.
"I've been wanting you..." He admitted through a breath, removing his arm from my waist.
I pushed his face to the side, laughing under my breath.
"Then why did you freak out when I kissed you..?" I whispered, his eyes giving me a pleading glance.
"I was asking you these questions.." He blushed, making me snicker."It's my turn.." I replied, removing my arms and standing up.
"I can't answer that..." He gulped, reaching toward me again. I giggled and stepped back.
"Well... I want an answer." I crossed my arms, watching his shoulders rise and fall.
"You made me desire to kiss you more... I couldn't deny it anymore after it." He stood up, the same desperate look painted across his face.
I laughed. Maybe I'm being a bit sadistic playing like this.
"Well, I can tell how much you must've been wanting to," I smirked, intertwining my fingers and stretching my arms above my head.
Nash huffed, grabbing the coffee cup and walking to the kitchen.
I touched my face, feeling how burning I was to the touch. Gosh...
I touched my throat, a sudden weight burning on my mind.
"Nash." I spoke, tracing my own fingers along my shirt.
"We aren't doing nothing like some midnight romance, are we..?" I questioned, Nash dropping the mug in the sink with wide eyes.
"What? No... I wouldn't do that." He cleared his throat, turning on the water. The heaviness began to dissolve and I smiled, nodding.
He washed the cup as I got closer, watching him."Are we going to bed?" I asked, leaning onto the kitchen island.
Nash turned off the water and shook his hands before flicking the remaining water onto his face.
"Sure..." He cleared his throat, getting ready to walk past me. Maybe I should give him one last kiss.
I followed and reached for his shirt, tugging him as we got close to the wall. He stopped and glanced back.
I gripped his wrist and turned him around, standing on my tippy toes. His eyes gave me the same desperate look.
He helped me, kissing me much softer than how he was before.
But this one left butterflies slamming around my stomach.
"Goodnight.." He whispered, his lips just barely parted from mine.
"Goodnight..."
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