Chapter 6: Deny or Love
"Emma." Neal spoke softly but firmly. Emma took a step back, nearing the exit. An apology sprawled across her beautiful face.
"Emma get back here now" Neal demanded his voice almost starting to waver. He knew exactly what she was planning to do, and he couldn't let her. Not now, not ever. She's been in his arms just moments ago and the irritation of her absence flustered him.
"Emma..." he warned her again, hints of desperation hidden in his tone.
He realised that she wouldn't be listening any time soon and so as swiftly as he could, he strode towards the door. He stood before it, preventing any sort of escape.
"You're not going anywhere." he told her as she realised her defeat.
She remained on the same spot not replying. He decided to continue. He knew she was listening to every word. She was right, he did make her want to feel and he would.
"You can't deny it." He spoke clearly, directly, giving her the words she couldn't admit to herself.
"You can't deny, that you still love me." he refined, his chocolate eyes piercing into hers saline orbs as each word escaped his lips.
Emma moved at this, she turned around; she couldn't bear to look at him. She knew if she did, her soul would betray her. Her mind swam with thoughts, her pulse increased at the sound of the word love. Love and Deny. Her two choices rolled into one phrase. She heard footsteps nearing behind her, his footsteps. Her feet refused to move. They gripped the floor as the sound grew louder.
Her mind flashed with the memories of their kiss that had just took place less than three minutes ago. Her lips were tender from the aftermath. Just then, she sensed him close. He soothingly moved her wavy cascading hair to one side, leaving her neck exposed. Her body rose and fell, as she tried to withhold the sea of emotion inside her.
Suddenly, she felt his warm breath against her neck, sending a ripple of energy inside her. He hadn't even touched her. Yet.
After what seemed like forever, he planted a kiss, and then another and then in every depression she'd forgotten existed on her soft skin. Her eyes shut naturally as she felt each light impression. He was making her notice, notice her unconscious desire for his every touch. Emma found herself involuntarily pressing her neckline against his lips. She breathed in sharply, she had to turn around and face him.
Neal looked at her for the briefest second, love burning in his eyes and before she knew it their lips crashed together. She didn't know who had kissed who, it didn't matter. This kiss was fiercer more filling, they both battled for more. "Neal." She gasped nervously, still adjusting to the feelings filling her. She discovered her hands were around his neck and her jacket lay on the floor. When did that happen she wondered but it wasn't important. She wasn't supposed to fight this. How could anyone fight this? He was right. Of course he was right.
Neal's hands traced her back remembering how he'd always held her. "It's okay" he reassured her. His voice Emma thought, his voice. His hands returned to her waist, lifting her top ever so slightly. His touch sent sparks off inside her.
Their lips parted as they caught for breath. Emma removed her arms from around his neck but he kept his firmly around her waist. He couldn't bear to let her go, not for one second. Emma blinked at the ground, feeling oddly shy. Though she soon found herself being lifted off it. Neal placed her down on the bed. He knew her too well; she'd been standing too long. Emma lay still, she shut her eyes, reliving the past few moments. Neal watched her in awe, he then carefully climbed on himself, she looked so peaceful.
Her eyes opened and she was glad to find him right in front of her, watching her, it was a habit. She always had that awful fear that he'd just disappearing and she'd be left. He moved away the hair obscuring her eyes, another habit. All of a sudden a pang of pain ran through her as it hit her how much she'd missed him. Neal noticed this on her face.
"What's wrong?" he asked her.
"Kiss me." she replied to his surprise but she didn't have to ask him twice.
It had been way too long, Neal thought as he felt her body against his. She felt so right, so utterly flawless. He ran his hand across her, this time, under her top and her reaction was glorious. She groaned at his touch hitching his own top in reply. He moved back slightly removing the thin T-Shirt. She placed a hand on his bare chest, just like she had during their first time and the memories amplified the moment. Emma's expression grew grave as one memory led to another and she found herself thinking of the day he'd left her.
"Emma." Neal took her hand into his grasp. Emma rolled so that she was now above Neal. He held her tightly afraid for as second she would try to run once again.
"I love you." Emma blurted before he could continue.
"I always will." She carried on.
"I can't deny it anymore."
"Just..."
"I'll never, ever, leave you again." Neal gave her the exact answer she was looking for.
"You have no idea how much I love you." he spoke with concentrated love.
"Then show me." She whispered.