A/N: Thank you to everyone reading and a big thank you to fayeftvanity, FaeMelody, hannah5240, LittleH12 and RachelMasonFan39 for the reviews!

Please enjoy.

Burning under your control

Chapter fifteen.

Controlling someone is having the ability to influence and dominate a vulnerable human being.

Surrendering.

An abundance of rain clattered against the window and strong winds howled in perfect rhythm. Her heart fluttered at the thought of seeing him. The minutes tormented her as she patiently waited for him to pick her up. Naturally, he'd insisted on picking her up so she could collect her car at the same time; he'd always thought logically. Exactly three minutes late, and there he was, parked as close to her door as he could, shielding her from the torrential weather.

Battling in the freezing cold rain for what felt like minutes she arrived at the passenger side of his car. Swiftly bringing her body into the warmth, she turned and greeted him with a smile.

'How are you feeling?', his concern was sincere, and she was thankful.

'Honestly?', she sighed. She looked to him for confirmation, and a slight nod from him was enough for her to continue.

'I'm just tired, Eddie', Rachel breathed as she shut her eyes for a brief moment.

'Has Melissa been causing you trouble?', he questioned protectively. He gave her a quick glance hoping he could understand what was really going on.

'Rach?', he asked once more, slightly concerned that she hadn't answered the first time.

'It's okay.'

His house felt warm, safe and a rather delicious smell circulated. They'd sat chatting for the last half an hour about school and he secretly hoped that wouldn't be their only topic of choice for the night. True to his promise, he had been making them dinner, and enjoying her company at the same time. Although he had his back to her for a short time whilst he prepared the ingredients, there was a natural environment that engulfed them. They'd just finished discussing the sixth form open day before Eddie decided now would be the right time to change the subject. He was unsure whether he wanted to push her, but he wanted to know exactly what was going on.

'Have you heard anything more about Stuart?', his question shocked her a little, and she panicked at having no time to prepare her answer. She pondered whether she should be honest or if she should lie and move on swiftly. However, Eddie deserved more than to be lied to again.

'The police, they came around the other day-', Eddie spun around quickly, almost knocking the pan from the hob.

'Rachel! Why didn't you tell me?', he interrupted angrily.

'It's okay. I mean, I'm sure they'll be back, but I, I just-', he cut her short again.

'What did you tell them?', he questioned nervously.

'Not the truth', she mumbled. She had been ashamed of her lies, and although it was for good reason, she'd have to live with it for the rest of her life.

'So, are you going to tell me about Melissa?', he asked, as he served her a bowl of his signature dish - spaghetti bolognese had been the only thing that he could cook without burning the house down. She smiled at him gratefully and secretly wondered how it would taste.

'She's my younger sister. Shall we just say I was the responsible one ..', she halted unsure whether to continue.

'Meaning?', he quizzed as curiosity beckoned him.

'She needs .. guiding from time to time', she sighed. She picked up her glass of wine and took a sip allowing the liquid to calm her.

'You should be looking after yourself', he retorted. She didn't react to his comment and for the next couple of minutes they sat silently, eating their dinner.

'She told the staff about us, you know, kissing ..', he said knowing she'd react badly, however he would not lie to her again.

'Oh God' she fretted as she shot from her seat, leaving the remains of her dinner on the table.

'Rach, it's okay', he reassured as he observed her actions.

'Eddie it's not okay, this is our private lives and they're talking about it-', the panic swarmed her and she paced the kitchen.

'It's okay', he confirmed once more, and she threw her head back in disbelief and anger at her sister.

'I told them Melissa lied. I said there was nothing going on', he said as he stood from his chair also.

'Did they believe you?', she asked hopeful. She was being optimistic, and they both knew that.

'I don't care. It's not me who cares, is it?', he stated as he took a few steps closer to her. This was almost like déjà vu and she definitely had no control.

'I can't, Eddie', she whispered, her eyes remaining away from his direction. If she did, she'd surrender to him.

'Please, please just let me in', he pleaded.

A ring sounded from her phone, and she looked down to see Melissa's name on the screen. Her eyes found their way to Eddie's again, and he sighed in frustration. She wanted to argue against him and confront him for not understanding, but truth had it, she didn't understand her perseverance with Melissa anymore. She watched as he charged over to her and picked up her phone, placing it on the counter behind him. Straight away, she protested but he intervened.

'Leave your phone', he spoke in a demanding yet intimate tone. She did what she said she wouldn't do, and she cast her eyes to his. Her breath hitched and she too, mirrored his desire. He brought his hand to cup her face and allowed his thumb to caress her cheek. Her eyes closed at his touch and he brought them closer together by his other hand finding her waist. A tingling sensation cascading over their shuddering bodies. A tantalising few moments and he could sense her need for them to reunite, just like that night.

'She can cope without you for a night, Rach', he finally muttered. He crashed his lips onto hers, and a heightened passion embraced them. He pulled her towards the stairs, and she knew fully that she'd soon be surrounded by familiar walls. This time, he swore there would be no interruptions.