XIV. Repressing Lust

Zuri stood at the stove waiting for the water to boil for the tea. What was the matter with Erik? Why couldn't he tell her his feelings? Maybe it was because of the past with Christine. She was so tired anymore of the chasing around.

A sharp whistle cut through her thoughts. She carefully took a towel and wrapped it around the handle then poured the water in a white teapot. She then placed the lid over it and let the water brew with the chamomile tea. Sitting down at the small wooden table, she let out a deep sigh. What was she doing here? She didn't belong here. Not even Erik wanted her.

"What are you doing?" Erik's voice interrupted her musings.

"Making tea. Do you want some?"

"Sounds good. Is that all you have been doing?"

"Yes. You have not flour or eggs or anything for me to make supper. What am I

to do?"

"I have sugar." He snapped at her.

"Fine. You have sugar. You need more than sugar down here to survive."

"Antoinette brings me my food."

"You are letting your stove waste if you do not use it often."

Zuri paused to pour some tea and sprinkle some sugar in her cup. "Two spoonfuls for myself." Erik told her before she asked him. She quickly obeyed then put the lid over the sugar jar. "Why the hell are we talking about food?"

Zuri shrugged then commented, "Maybe because it is a topic we need to talk about."

"You know what I want to talk about."

She took a sip of her tea then forcefully put her cup on the table. "Then be a man Erik. I'm not a child and you certainly don't need to beat around the bush."

Erik slammed his cup on the table. Some of the liquid spilled. "Don't criticize me." He said in a very low tone.

"I can't help that you act like you act." She suddenly stood from the table and sighed as she turned to the stove.

Erik suddenly felt a rage come over him like he had never felt before. Even Christine never made him feel so angry. Pushing over the table he let the delicate cups and pot break in the floor. Zuri turned around momentarily before feeling him press her body to the wall. "You want to know what I think. I think you are a spoiled little brat who has got way too much in life." He noticed her swallow loudly then continued, "Even though you infuriate me past comprehensive thought, there is something about you that makes me want to throw you on the bed every time we get in an argument. I don't know what kind of relationship I want to have yet because I am still confused myself, but I know one thing, I want a relationship where you are MINE and I am the only one to love you."

She was speechless as he glared deeply in her eyes. Tears began to leak from her eyes. "Why are you crying?" His tone now changed to a soft, caring tone and his eyes, which held anger mere minutes ago, held sadness within the golden depths.

"Oh Erik. I'm sorry." She leaned against him and brushed her lips against his.

He pressed his lips against hers while tangling his fingers in her hair. His first comprehensive thought after kissing her was to walk away and to clean up the mess. His next thought was something along the lines of how long it would take to reach his bedroom. Breaking the kiss, she wrapped her arms around his neck then gently kissed his unmasked cheek. "You never answered my question."

"Because you told me you love me."

Something snapped within him that made him realize that what he had told her was the truth. He gently pulled her against his body. "Erik." His name exhaled from her mouth.

"Zuri."

"I love you too."

Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews ahead of time. I appreciate it.