His kiss was demanding and his breathing was loud and forceful as he held her close. Gretchen wrapped her arms around his neck for better support. His free hand trailed down her body to grab her ass

Oh, gods! She needed it. She wanted him.

Blood pulsed through her veins, rushing to every part of her being. She felt as if she were on fire. His body pushed forward, causing her to walk backward. The floorboards creaked with each step they took. The pressure of his knife on her back disappeared as he switched it to the other hand, before setting it down on the console table as they walked by it.

His lips parted slightly and then she felt his tongue. Whatever thoughts, doubts, and questions that started to slip into her mind vanished. The desperation oozed around her coming from both of them. It was as if they were two repressed horny teenagers who finally let their passion loose.

She moved one of her hands up and under his mask, running her fingers through the hair on the back of his head. His hands slipped under her shirt. He broke the kiss just long enough to pull her shirt up. She barely had enough time to raise her arms so he could lift it off.

The moment it was off, he was back to kissing her, palming one of her naked breasts. She moaned and stumbled as her heels connected with the first step. He immediately took his left hand off her breast to grab the banister as his right arm tightened around her back to keep her from falling.

She tightened her grip around his neck. She wasn't thinking. She didn't want to think. All that mattered was the moment. His passion, his lips, his need for her. She soaked it all up, bathed in it, relished in the fact that he was desperate for her. It could end at any moment. He would come back to his senses soon. He always did that. It was his terms, not hers.

For a brief moment, she remembered her first vision in the house of him fucking her against the wall. It was right behind him. But, this wasn't that moment. She wasn't sure how she knew, but she did. She wasn't ready to call out his name.

He moved back so that she could stand better. His right hand moved down and around her ass before he lifted her up. Her legs automatically wrapped around his waist, and she hooked her feet together. She felt his body move under her as he took a step forward.

He was going up the stairs.

She squeezed him even tighter, her body tingled and pulsed with anticipation. She was ready for that connection. She could have handled him fucking her on the stairs, but a bed sounded better. Was he taking her to a bed?

Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted the bathroom door as he passed it. Her brain reminded her of her sudden height and the possibility of hitting her head on the door frame. She broke their deep kiss to lay her head on his shoulder as he stepped into her room. His throat moved as he swallowed. She moved her lips to his neck, taking advantage of his inability to stop her.

His skin was warm and salty from the sweat he was starting to produce. She could feel his heart pulse with excitement. He turned his head slightly, making her smile as she returned her lips to his.

She felt the bed brush her ass and she let him go. Crawling back on the bed while slipping her shorts off. She didn't want any delays so she wouldn't say or do something stupid that would make him change his mind. Bundling up her shorts in her hands she tossed them over the bed onto the ground.

The sound of his zipper caught her attention. Something ticked in her brain as she focused on him. He was undressing in front of her. Her eyes landed on his pronounced bulge and she ran her top teeth over her bottom lip. He stopped moving and she forced her gaze up to his face. His head was tilted slightly, his eyes held a look she couldn't figure out.

Had she fucked up already? She felt as if she was thinking too much, while at the same time not thinking enough. Play it cool.

He let his clothes drop, revealing his cock, and making her moan. He tilted his head again. Her breath hitched as the bed dipped while he got on. There was something about the way he came at her, crawling onto the bed so that his body was over hers. It sparked more desire in her brain. Her eyes widened and she bit her lower lip in anticipation.

Gods! She wanted his mask off so she could touch and caress his face. It was a little bit disconcerting, seeing the dead mask with alive eyes behind it. She slowly shifted her gaze from his eyes down.

Fuck it. She brought her hands up and pressed them against his chest. gliding them across his skin. She paused for a moment. Did his chest just tremble under her fingers? She brought her hands up to his shoulders, sliding them up before looking at him again. He hadn't moved. He just watched her.

She brought her legs up to trap his body between them. It wasn't going to stop him from turning her over though. But, whatever his plans were his body and his eyes didn't reveal them.

He finally moved, bending his arms as he lowered his body onto hers. He moved his mask just enough to kiss her lips again for a brief moment. It was a soft kiss. One far more gentle than she expected.

Oh, gods.

One of his hands trailed up to her neck, making her momentarily panic. He didn't try to choke you before. That was just a horrible dream. To her relief, his hand moved down to her side, and then his lips pressed against her skin. He stopped on the nick he'd made to prove he could still hurt her. He pressed his tongue against the little almost invisible scar before going down to the one between her breasts.

Oh shit. A thrill shot through her at the attention he was giving her. A question started to pop up. Threatening to kill the mood with doubt but she forced it back. She'd promised herself she was going to live in the moment and relish whatever interactions she had, whatever sex was given to her.

She ran her hands along his shoulders and then arms, rubbing her legs on his sides. A feeling of excitement engulfed her. He hadn't turned her around. The fact that he was letting her touch him sent thrills to her core. His right hand trailed up her side to clasp onto her left breast, kneading it.

She gasped and her body wiggled as his lips went up to her right breast. His tongue circled her areola before he grazed her skin. He closed his jaw around her nipple, rolling it between his teeth.

She didn't know what to do with herself. She looked down and locked her inner groan of protest deep inside her. The damn mask was a bit disconcerting, as it stared back at her. She wanted to run her fingers through his hair, look into his eyes, see his face.

His right hand left her breast and traveled down her body, pressing against her scars as he moved over them. He didn't stop though until his hand was on her inner thigh. He brought his left hand up to replace his mouth as he switched his attention to her other breast.

She moaned, arching her back. Her fingers demanded she run them through his hair again. What if she somehow knocked off his mask? What would he do? She didn't want him to stop. He probably would. Why did he drive her brain bananas?

She looked down again, staring back at the damn mask. It was partially killing her mood. A part of her was being driven crazy by his attention, while the other part kept seeing that dead space in those holes for the eyes.

Breathe. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. Enjoy the moment. Imagine, pretend- She had no idea who she could picture instead of the damn mask. Oh, gods! He was going to look down at her with that mask.

The weight and heat of his body lifted from her for a moment, and his hand left her breast. She started to open her eyes but stopped when he returned.

Stop thinkings so much!

Fuck it! He wanted to wear his mask then she'd just touch his fucking mask instead of his face. She trailed her fingers up his shoulders onto his head. Just pretend. Maybe force her lips on the lips of his mask just to be a dick about things. Pretend that it's his hair her fingers were running through and-

She froze. Her fingers tensed. She should have felt the smooth texture of the rubber of the mask resting on her hands. But, it wasn't there. She raised her hands up, lightly running her fingernails along his scalp. No rubber, no mask. He stopped moving, his mouth let go of her nipple. She could feel his eyes on her. Ever so slowly she opened her eyes but stared at the ceiling.

Oh fuck.

Her body remained frozen, her breathing deep. She swallowed hard, then slowly ran her fingers through his hair again. When did he take it off? Only a few seconds ago it was on. Her heart pulsed loudly through her body. Look down! That's all she had to do. Just look down. She swallowed back some saliva and then lowered her hands to her sides. Her eyes stayed focused on the ceiling.

"You can… you can…" She didn't want to finish her sentence. "You can keep it on if you want." Choices. Why did she give him fucking choices? Why did she make sure that he was comfortable? He didn't give her that courtesy.

He moved and she closed her eyes, waiting for him to let her know he was ready to continue.

You're an idiot, she chastised herself.

He pressed his nose between her breasts, taking in a deep breath and letting it out. His hot tongue made her mewl as he gave her a lick. Would be nice. Had she accidentally knocked it off? Although, if that were the case surely he would have stopped immediately to put it back on.

She opened her eyes. The muscles in his arms tensed as he rose up, towering over her as he sat back onto his heels. A gasp escaped her lips as her eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't put it back on.

She was looking at him. At his neutral, expressionless face. She didn't know what to do or think. His mask hadn't come off on accident. It was on purpose, deliberate. His eyes narrowed slightly as he watched her. She held her breath for a moment before letting it out.

Do something! She quickly sat up and reached her right hand out towards his face before pulling it back. Dare she? She thought her heart was beating wildly already, but it seemed to have found a second level. He took it off? He took it off! Questions started to bubble in her brain, but she pushed them away. This wasn't the time to question.

An old mood settled over her. One she hadn't felt in a long time. It was difficult, controlling the corners of her mouth to keep a stupid grin off her face. But, she was giddy and excited.

He studied her with intensity in his eyes, judging her. But his facial expression remained neutral. He wasn't going to let her know what he was thinking. Reaching toward his face, she hesitated again. Why? Why was he handsome? She wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing. His muscles tensed at her hesitance. Was he nervous?

She didn't have it in her, to hide her emotions completely. She did her best to suppress her giddiness. And then her brain gave her an idea. Pulling her legs back so he was no longer between them, she rearranged herself to sit on them.

"Hmm," she said softly, rising to her knees. She deliberately looked away from his face, running her hands along his body, for the first time examining him not only with her hands but her eyes as well. She teased him by running her fingers along his abs so close to his cock, but purposefully avoiding it. His stomach muscles rippled as if he were having trouble controlling himself.

She had to act like it was going to be the only time he'd let her see him. It probably was. She had no idea. Momentary weakness in judgment that would be fixed after he fucked her. But for now, like earlier, somehow he was her captive audience.

Guilt started to rise but she pushed it back. In the moment.

She ran her fingers along his broad chest through his dark chest hair. A small smile crossed her lips as his breathing faltered for a moment. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw his throat move as he swallowed.

His skin was firm with surprisingly faint scars that he had received. Bullet wounds? It was hard to tell. They were so faint they were almost invisible. Or, maybe they weren't there. She blinked and they disappeared before reappearing. Maybe that was her imagination. Either way, whether he had them or not they were nothing compared to what she had. She pushed back her thoughts of her own inadequacies in appearance. This wasn't about her.

Scooting closer to him, she put her knees on either side of one of his own, pressing her skin against his. She desperately wanted to lean in and kiss him, lick him, maybe give him a little bite. She reined those emotions back. Maybe later. But, she'd teased him enough for now. She really wanted to look at his face.

She lightly traced his muscles, moving over his chest to his arms and trailing her hands up. Slowly, she brought her fingers to his neck, pausing just below his jaw. She glanced up at him. How he'd managed to stay almost completely still was beyond her. Only his eyes moved as he carefully watched her reaction. She swallowed then moved her fingers to trace his features: his jaw, his cheeks, his mouth, his nose, his brow.

"Hmm," she said again, running them through his brown hair. She flashed him a smile. "I think you'll do."

Oh, gods. Her body tensed at her words. Did she just say that to him? Did she tease a fucking killer? He's not going to kill you. Relax.

Her smile dropped and she sat back, looking away from him and at the bed. He probably didn't appreciate that. He fought hard to keep his mask on. Why he took it off was beyond her. And she had to go and tease him? Gods, she was an idiot. It wasn't like she was being serious, but she also had a hard time figuring people out sometimes. Brandon wasn't a fan of her harmless teasing.

Stop bringing him into this. Stop comparing both of them. She demanded her brain. They're not alike.

His hand touched her chin, forcing her to look up at him. His face was still expressionless, giving her no indication of what he was thinking.

Mad. He's mad, she concluded.

"Sorry," she said softly, rubbing her left arm with her right hand. Just don't be too rough, please? She wanted to ask. But that seemed weak and a clear invitation to be rough.

He clasped her chin for a moment to move her head from one side to the other as if he were examining her. His brow furrowed. He was frowning. He raised her head, placing his hand on her neck again for a moment, making her swallow. His hand left her chin to trail down her body. He tilted his head to one side.

Two fingers tweaked a nipple and he gently rolled it, making her moan. Okay, back to sex then. Well, at least he wasn't super mad. Although, she'd find out how rough he was going to get soon enough. He moved in closer, forcing her to lean back a bit and plant her hands on the bed behind her.

She kept her eyes fixed on his face, trying to figure out what he was thinking. He placed his hands around her sides, pressing her ribs. It was a little bit uncomfortable and an odd way to force her to lay back down on the bed.

Oh.

He was avoiding her scars.

Fuck.

Her heart jumped to her throat in a panic. That was probably the worst thing he could do to her. She opened her mouth to say something, but then closed it. Idiot. Was that the parallel? He was uncomfortable with the look of his face as she was with her scars? He had no reason to be.

He adjusted his body so he was between her legs again, and then set his arms on either side of her. He was over her. His face was parallel to hers. She swallowed back as he gazed down at her. His eyes were so blue, dangerous, and intense.

She forced her hands to clench the sheets. Her heart pounded in her chest. What was his next move? She wanted to bring her hands up to his face to trace his features and assure him that she was just teasing. And then something changed. The mood around her changed and lightened up. He wasn't smiling, but she felt as if he were.

He lowered his body, mouth clearly intent on sucking her breast. She was up for some more of that. Try to forget the possible purposeful rejection of her scars. At the last second, he moved his mouth away and pressed his lips just below the middle of her ribcage. His hands held onto her sides, keeping her still as he trailed his kisses down. The moment he hit one of her scars she panicked.

"You don't-"

He didn't look up. Grabbing her hands as she went to touch his head, he pinned them both on either side of her. She clenched her hands into fists and started to struggle.

"I-" She automatically sucked in her stomach to get away.

He paused and glanced up at her, locking her eyes with his. His face moved slightly, his eyes flashed with annoyance.

Stop it. They read.

I'm fucked. She knew she was trembling. She couldn't help it. He waited, and watched her. With a shaky breath, she forced her body to relax, unclenching her hands. He returned his gaze to her scars, one hand let her arm go so that he could feel the ones his mouth wasn't on.

His eyes shot up, locking on hers once more. The corners of his eyes creased ever so slightly as if he were smiling. Wait. Did he just tease her back? Asshole.

Before she had time to think, his free hand went down to cup her vulva. She mewled and squirmed. That was unexpected. She wasn't entirely sure why she didn't expect him to go there. He was so close to her pussy.

His warm mouth left her stomach, making her look down at him. He was watching her, studying her reaction. His fingers slipped between her folds then one easily glided into her, rubbing her from the inside. She was soaking. It shouldn't have been a surprise.

She half-closed her eyes and planted her feet on the bed, widening her legs. But fuck it. If he wanted to finger her she wasn't going to stop him. It was probably in her head, but she could have sworn she saw a devious smile cross his lips.

He pulled his hand off of her, making her whimper. Just as she started to open her eyes and look down, electricity zapped through her as his hot tongue licked her vulva.

Fuck! Her mind went blissfully blank and she hummed as his tongue and mouth explored her. He teased her clit for a moment before moving his tongue away. She placed her hands on his head, partly wanting to drag him back up to keep him on her clit to make her come. While also enjoying the feel of his hair between her fingers and his head between her thighs. One of his hands reached up to fondle her breast while the other ran up her leg over her inner thigh. She mewled.

Chills ran up her body. She didn't know what to do. She didn't want things to end, but she wanted to come. She wanted him to eat her out, but she also wanted him to fuck her. She squirmed, moving her hips in an attempt to get his mouth back on her clit.

He huffed. His lips widened in a clear smile that she couldn't see but feel. Damn him. He didn't give her a chance to think. His mouth moved back to her clit, his tongue moved firmer and faster. She ground her hips against him, trying to help with the pressure.

"Gods, fuck. I'm gonna-" She brought her right hand up to her head and bit her hand as she let out a little squeal. The dam broke and her body shook as she came. He didn't stop. He kept his tongue and mouth on her, lapping her up till her body finally started to relax again. She let one leg extend down.

The fingers of her left hand slowly loosened their grip on his hair. And she let her arms flop down as he raised his head. She didn't even realize she'd been gripping him.

Fuck me, she thought partially asking, partially dazed. Of all things, she hadn't expected that. She didn't expect him to eat her out.

He quickly crawled back up and pressed his mouth against hers, forcing her to taste herself. Her brain didn't know what to do. She moaned and giggled, cupping his face. What are you doing? What have you done? Why? She had so many questions she wanted to ask him, but a glance down confirmed that he was going to fuck her.

She bit back the teases that bubbled up inside of her. The moment. She needed to focus and enjoy it. He was kissing her and she placed her hands on his jaw, enjoying the texture of his skin on her fingertips. He pressed his cock against her slit, rubbing it up and down, teasing her some more. It was getting to be too much.

"Fuck me, please," she whispered into his mouth.

He broke their kiss to look at her, guiding his cock into her entrance. She bit her lip in anticipation, not breaking his gaze. Then her mouth parted and she moaned as he filled her up. His cock seemed to drive the beating of her heart up. His eyes closed slightly and she could have sworn he whispered, "fuck" but she wasn't quite sure.

He doesn't talk. Just your imagination.

He moved slowly at first. His eyes kept a firm hold on her expression. It made her self-conscious, while at the same time she liked it. She liked that he wanted to see the effect he was having on her.

She stared back at him, searching his face for some clue, some reaction. Gods, damn you! He wasn't an open book. But she was. She knew what she wanted.

She grabbed his face and pulled him down to meet her halfway, kissing him. He didn't need any coaxing. His mouth pressed against hers with equal fervor. Her hands moved from his face to blindly explore his body.

Her fingernails dug into his back. Gods! She loved the feeling of his muscles rippling under her fingertips. His skin was hot and sweaty, undoubtedly matching her own. She broke their kiss with a gasp. Her lips were needed elsewhere. She rained kisses down his jaw and neck, running her lips along his shoulder.

Her core felt as if it were on fire, spinning and pulsing with need. She was so close. She couldn't help but bite his shoulder again, digging her fingernails in deeper as she pressed her body to his. He groaned.

He put his head in the crook of her neck, kissing, licking, and sucking her skin. One hand went under her body to grip her ass, while the other he used for balance as he pounded into her fast and hard.

"Fuck!" She pressed her teeth on his shoulder again and closed her eyes, concentrating on her own pleasure. His cock was driving her wild. Pounding into her, hitting all the right spots. Filling her up in just the right way. She just needed one last thing.

Gripping onto his body with her right arm, she ran her left hand between their bodies to rub her clit for that final push. His body shifted and out of the corner of her eye, she saw him look at her. He moved his hand off her ass to support his weight.

"What are you?" She let out a little cry of protest as he stopped her. He grabbed her wrist and put it over her head. Was that a little shake of his head? He quickly grabbed her other hand and forced it over her head as well.

Her eyes widened in a panic. She needed to come. She whimpered, rolling her hips in an attempt to put more pressure on her clit. At least he hadn't stopped fucking her. His cock easily slid into her wet pussy.

"I- I-" she stammered.

His gaze was intense as if he were waiting for her to say the right words. He slowed down his thrusts but connected with her harder, sending little jolts to her core.

"I need." Dammit! She didn't want to tell him. "I need to come. Please, please, let me come," she begged, breaking nearly immediately.

The corners of his mouth seemed to twitch. He shifted so that he held her wrists with one hand and then moved his free one down between their bodies. His fingers were rougher and firmer than her own, but just right. He rubbed her clit in a circle, giving her that one last final push. She dug her heels into the back of his legs as her body released the pent-up hormones it had been collecting.

She couldn't muffle her cry of pleasure, arching her back and curling her toes. But she managed to suppress his name. She couldn't do that. She couldn't call out his name. Michael! But she had no problem thinking it.

He kept driving into her through her orgasm, harder and faster. His release was close. He let go of her hands to stabilize himself better. She immediately wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing his head down to kiss her.

Oh, gods! Michael!

He couldn't focus on their kiss and tore himself away, glancing to one side. He closed his eyes as he concentrated. With a grunt, one final thrust, and a gasp he stilled. The warmth of his cum inside her made her twitch and she felt her legs tense. She was never going to tell him how much she enjoyed that.

Oh, gods. Never tell him!

She lay there, panting heavily with him as they both slowly recovered. His weight on her was just right. He didn't move, but he also didn't look at her. His cock was still in her, slowly softening, making her want to melt.

He rose to look back down at her again. She studied his face, looking for something. Some clue to let her in on what he was thinking.

The high set of emotions she had experienced came crashing down as reality set back in. They were done. He would leave. As passionate and exciting and so intimate as things had gotten, he would still leave. That was probably the worst thing about all of it if she were honest with herself. She could have avoided it all. Just let him keep acting like the asshole. Keep treating her like he had been. Just someone to fuck. But she had to be the one to kiss him. She had to make things more personal.

She looked away just as his cock left her, making her feel empty.

You're a fool, Gretch, she chastised herself. She set herself up this time. Why was she so needy all of a sudden? You know why. You've been alone so long. One asshole shows you a little bit of interest and you throw yourself at them without a thought.

Michael's lips pressed against her cheek, surprising her. He lowered his arms, resting more of his weight on her, letting out a sigh. Another light kiss connected with her mouth. Then his lips moved down her jaw to her neck. His arms squeezed her slightly while his hot breath warmed her skin.

She hesitated for a moment, then moved her right hand up to run her fingers through his hair. She didn't want him to move. Not just yet. Thank you. She bit back the words. Whatever had gotten into him. Whatever was making him act nice would be gone. It wasn't going to last.

He got up and rolled onto his back letting out yet another loud satisfied sigh.

She stared at him for a moment. She could work with that. She could work with a small kiss, a small cuddle post-sex. Listen to him take deep breaths before he'd ultimately leave her. Her body tingled and she turned slightly to watch him.

He placed one hand under his head and stared up at the ceiling. No smile. But he never smiles.

He'll never give you what you crave. The cursed phrase that the Presence had told her echoed in her mind. Companionship. He would always use her and leave her. To expect more was inviting disappointment, that she knew. Unfortunately, disappointment was going to be a common unwelcome visitor in her mind. For some reason, a large part of her liked him, craved him, wanted him. He wanted sex, she wanted more. He had the upper hand here.

Foolish heart. She needed to figure out why, but at the moment, it didn't matter. Michael moved and she quickly sat up. He was going to leave. She didn't want to see that.

She rolled out of bed and picked up her towel from the ground, wrapping it around her body. She could feel his cum start to leak out of her as she walked. Gods, please don't have him see that. Her face felt as if it were on fire as the blood rushed up to it. At least she was leaving first this time. She didn't look back at him as she quickly left her room.

She quietly closed the bathroom door and waited for a moment. Pressing her hands on the wood and she leaned back. Crying? She felt like crying, again.

"Oh gods, Gretchen," she muttered to herself as she rubbed her eyes and then her nose. "He stayed a little bit longer you, silly girl." She'd have to deal with that. Figure out a way to get her brain to realize that it was just about sex. Why did she want it to be more with a killer?

"Breathe," she told herself, forcing her brain to focus on something else other than her loneliness. So much had happened that she needed to wrap her mind around. He took off his mask, actually took off his mask. He ate her out. He fucked her like a lover would. It wasn't-

"Stop," she said softly to herself. She was assigning her own feelings on the matter. But, there was an explanation for every movement he made. They were bound to fuck facing each other again. And, he probably realized he couldn't keep his mask on forever. Maybe it even irritated him. Plus, earlier, when he came back he was being all sweet on her. He probably still had that little niceness in him and decided to experiment.

Exhaustion hit her body and she rubbed the bridge of her nose for a moment. He'd fucked her good. She needed a nap. She stared at the shower. No, she didn't have the energy for that. Tissues! That was another thing she'd have to ask him for, have some in her room. He clearly wasn't going to stop coming in her and she didn't want to take a detour to the bathroom every time they had sex. Although, it was a nice excuse to leave her room before him.

Hmm, what if he stayed?

She stared at her image in the mirror, slowly shaking her head. "Don't think about it, Gretch," she muttered to herself. He will never stay. And there was no reason to expect it. He had abducted her for his own sick games. She was nothing more than his little sexual escapade. A fuck toy, the Presence's words pressed in her mind. But-

"You're going to hell," she muttered to herself at the very thought of wanting Michael to stay. She placed her hand on the doorknob and then paused. She forgot to bring a change of clothes. Which meant she was going to walk out into the hall in just a towel.

He's not going to see you. He's probably already in his room. Not like he hasn't seen you naked anyway.

Not that it was necessary, but she adjusted her hair as if she was trying to be presentable before stepping out of the bathroom and heading back to her room. Gods, she was sated. As much as she didn't want to be alone, sliding into bed sounded so nice. She needed a nap. She paused and stared at her bedroom door for a moment.

"He's never going to give you what you crave," she whispered out loud to herself to cement the phrase. It had no effect. Whether saying or thinking, her heart and that silly part of her mind still wished, still hoped that the Presence that whispered it in her ear was wrong. How had she fallen for him? Who he was should have been reason enough to keep her feelings surface level, at best. He killed innocent people. He'd abducted her and intended to kill her. And yet, now she was pining for him? Only time would convince that silly part of her mind that craved more that it was wrong. Hopefully.

She placed her hand on her doorknob and stole a glance at his closed bedroom door. She needed to think about it that way. Always closed. She stifled a yawn. Nap time, then gotta think. She had to figure out a way to be in the moment, while also not attaching her need for companionship to him. Get her heart agreeing with her rational brain and-

Gretchen pushed open the door and froze. Her eyes widened and her breathing deepened. Michael was still in her bed. He was on his back, one arm under his head. He'd taken the liberty to throw the comforter over the lower half of his body.

She looked over at his closed bedroom door then at him. You're seeing things, she concluded. A future vision no doubt. Stupid brain! Don't give me that. Don't tease this. It would only make her pine even harder.

She walked with hesitant steps, preparing for the image her mind had conjured up to evaporate. She stopped at the edge of the bed. He was still there. If she looked away, then he'd be gone. Gretchen forced her eyes away to glance behind her at the doorway.

Stop it! she demanded her brain.

He was still there. His chest rose and fell from his deep heavy breaths. He didn't move, didn't acknowledge her presence.

The bed dipped as she climbed on it. She stopped again, sitting on her knees as she looked at him, clutching her hands to her chest. Her heart drummed in her ears. She was going to wake him up if she kept staring at him like that. And then he'd leave.

He's not there! She reached out and touched his very solid arm. He'd stayed.

He probably- Just as the rational thoughts started to enter her mind she pushed them back for once. It didn't matter what his motives were. She pulled up the comforter to cover her body completely, giving him a few glances. Her pajama shirt was on the ground floor and her shorts were by the bed. She could get up and go to her duffel bag and grab a long shirt. It was just a couple of steps away. But she wasn't going to leave her bed. He'd stayed and she was going to take advantage of that.

You're going to break your own heart.

She pulled the towel out from around her and dropped it onto the ground. Fuck right off, negative thoughts. I don't give a shit. Laying on her stomach, she dug her arms under her pillow before letting out a loud sigh. All she had to do was close her eyes once, and her brain immediately slipped into darkness.