Chapter 5

"That just couldn't be coincidence, you know?" I told Vee as I paced around the room. She sat on my bed, watching my troubled steps. "After the night I get attacked, a Nephil member of that gang suddenly shows up in my class."

"I don't think it is," Vee agreed, biting her lower lip in thought. "But something doesn't add up. Why this quickly? Why aren't they hiding? Shouldn't they at least wait until you have your guard down before they attack? Or do they really think you're up against a wall on this one?"

I let out a frustrated sigh. It was bothering me too. "Seth and his gang must've been sent by Lisa. She had them follow me last night and attack me."

"To get Marcie and Susanna's whereabouts?" When I nodded, Vee's frown deepened. "She's getting them awfully involved if Seth is enrolled at school. Would she have them attack you in front of the whole student body?"

"Maybe that's why they're there," I said, trying to keep myself calm. "They want to confront me and it wouldn't look like they're attacking and they want to do it quickly too or they wouldn't be surrounding me like this. Someone might have seen Seth talking to me at class or in the parking lot. People wouldn't think anything of it. Or maybe Lisa thinks I wouldn't make a big scandal. If people found out about our world, I just know the archangels will be at my back quicker than I can say 'Cheshvan'. Either way, I'm their target."

"But if Lisa is commanding them, wouldn't they be more sophisticated and trained when it comes to their mental abilities?" she asked, biting her lip again. "I mean, we heard what they were saying and they didn't even know it."

"Young Nephils?" I suggested, unsure.

"I would believe that babe, if they weren't from your dad's super freaky secret society. You saw how well trained those half immortals are. There is no way Lisa would send several untrained pups to go after the Black Hand's daughter and heir, not that big of a mission. If that doesn't sway the vote, she also knows of Patch. She knows he's with you and there is no way in hell she can lay a hand on you without acquiring hell from him."

"But if they were sent by her, wouldn't she know Patch wasn't there with me that night? She might have an inkling that Patch isn't around right now and that this is the perfect time to attack me," I pointed out, pacing back and forth again.

Vee shrugged. "Well they do know you weren't alone, right? I mean, Patch could easily be there too, just in the shadows. Besides, they could not possibly know Patch isn't here. Lisa needs to factor in the fact that you guys have had a troublesome relationship in the past and it's actually a possibility you two are not always together. Even better, she could be holding her breath, waiting for Patch to avenge you.

"But we can milk the Patch squad a little bit further as long as Lisa, or whoever sent them, believes Patch is around to save your curly-haired hinny," she pointed out. Vee's lips suddenly lip to an evil grin that could only signify trouble.

"What is it?"

The sly grin was still on her face even when she spoke. Her words came out slowly to build drama. "Well, we need to find out if Lisa sent them or not."

"Yeah, and?"

"And…I think it's time to put our sleuthing into action. I mean, we've been practicing from Patch to Marcie, to Scott, and to Dante. We might as well finally put them in good use."

I grimaced. None of this would be defined as good. "Wow Vee, I didn't know all those were practice."

She ignored me. "I want to do this soon, of course. But we need to make sure we're not found out."

"Yeah because the last few times had gone disastrous. We were either found out or I was placed in a serious predicament."

"Exactly," she said, standing up. Her eyes shined brightly. "Our plans always end up disastrously but this time, it will be different. We're not just sleuthing, we're investigating. This kind of investigation requires time and patience."

"We don't have time," I told her in a frustrated voice. "And I don't really think I can muster up patience."

"Well you will if you want to find out what's going on," she replied impatiently.

"What do I have to do?"

"Get to know Seth," she returned. "Infiltrate from the inside. Know what they want from you and then counter it."

I scoffed and grimaced. "If I'm the one they want, they wouldn't tell me flat out what they're planning against me. Getting to know them from the inside might make me even more vulnerable."

"That's why you attract Seth."

"Attract Seth?" I repeated. "I'm not going to do that! I have a boyfriend and I'm actually quite loyal to him."

"It's called flirtation babe. Anyways, yeah sure, they're not going to tell you flat out what they're planning against you but you will catch them off guard if one of them actually is too attracted to you to do anything."

I squirmed. "I still don't know if this will be a good idea."

It was her turn to scoff. "What do you suppose we do then?"

I shrugged. "Fight them off?"

"With just the two of us?"

Okay, maybe it was a long shot. Seth and his gang maybe inexperienced Nephil but they do have the benefit of numbers. Besides, I'm also not that trained either. If it comes down to a fight, I might just be at a slight disadvantage individually. My only consolation is that devilcraft isn't involved. This means I'll probably go through a lot of pain but there's really no chance I was going to die.

"I was hoping Patch could help," I muttered. Besides the fact that this is probably my fight and I didn't want to involve him now that he can feel physical pain. Silence engulfed us as we both thought of another reason why Patch probably wouldn't be able to help us. I knew Vee was thinking of it too. I might as well voice it out.

"But no one knows when he'll come back," I cleared my throat, hoping the lump there wouldn't get any bigger. I couldn't even say the possibility that he will never return. "If we waited for Patch, it might be too late."

I sighed heavily, not knowing what else to do. "Fine, I'll do it!"

For the next few days, I anticipated and waited for Seth at our history class but he never came. I didn't suspect it was because of what happened the other day, I was purely certain of it. But when I began to doubt Seth's return and the soundness of Vee's plan and my agreement to it, Seth walks in a week after we heard the Nephil voice speaking to Seth.

I waited for a few minutes for him to strike a conversation but he remained silent, carefully avoiding my eyes. I bit my lip, deciding what to say to him before Mr. O'Connor starts his role. I inhaled silently and faced him fully.

"I think we got off on the wrong foot," I told him. So I guess I am fully agreeing to Vee's plan. He slowly turned to me, his face filled with surprise and curiosity. I was sure he wasn't expecting me to talk to him at all, let alone sound friendly.

His eyes narrowed suspiciously. "What's with the sudden friendliness?"

I shrugged, pretending to be nonchalant even though my heart was beating hard on my chest. "I figured since we're sitting beside each other now, we might as well be acquainted with each other."

He still looked suspicious so I added, "I mean, I'm not asking to be friends. I just don't like having any enemies at the school."

I waited for a few seconds, feeling like he was going to see right through my façade. But I almost let out a sigh of relief when he smiled. "I knew you couldn't resist me. You missed me the last few days, right?"

Out of relief, I automatically said, "Yes." Before realizing too late what I had said. He gave me another wide smile, showing all of his teeth, obviously pleased at my response. I guess that actually worked for Vee's plans. I might as well stick with it.

"So, are we friends?" I pressed on, pushing my hand out. He looked at it for a second before taking it.

"Friends."

At the end of the day, I was surprised to see Seth leaning against my locker, waiting for me. I greeted him with a curious smile. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to walk you to your car," he replied, returning the smile. "I just wanted to see the damage I did on your door."

I didn't tell him the moment after he left, I grasped the dented edge of the door and returned it to normal. There were no broken glass so lucky him. "You're not that strong you know," I commented as he stepped aside and I was able to return my books there. "You didn't even leave any impression. Try building up your muscles."

He threw his head back and laughed. "Sure, coach." When he had caught his breath, he stared at me with his dark eyes twinkling.

When his gaze began making me feel uncomfortable, I turned away from him as I shoved my English book inside my locker. "What?"

"I was wondering whether you'd wanted to grab a bite with me. I want to know the good restaurants here now that I'm staying," he grinned.

"Of course she would!" Vee's voice floated happily to us. I whipped around to see her walking towards us.

"Vee," I warned her. I turned back to Seth. I recognize the urgency of everything but this is moving way too fast. I was suspicious of Seth's intention and I'm not going to be alone with him when the night at the Devil's Handbag is still fresh on my mind. "I'm really sorry I can't. I have a lot of homework due and my mom wants me to call her right away."

I heard Vee scoff. "Your homework isn't due until next week and you will be home hours before your mom calls." She turned to Seth with a cheeky smile. "She'd love to hang out with you."

"Well come on, Nora. I guess you'd be available tonight."

"Yeah, she would," she pushed me slightly.

I let my eyes glare at her for a few seconds. "Look, Seth, I think it's best if we stay friends. I have a boyfriend already and I really don't want to lead you on or do anything that suggest we're more than friends. I'm really sorry."

He shrugged. "Oh, I figured you would have a boyfriend. I mean, you're really pretty and boys would have to be blind not to notice you. Tell your boyfriend that I'm up for the competition."

"What?"

He grinned again. "We can postpone the date later. I'll see you around Nora Grey." He turned and walked away, whistling happily.

I turned to Vee with full fury. "What do you think you're doing?"

"What? This is our opportunity! Don't you see? You can interrogate him without being obvious about it!" She threw her hands up innocently.

"I thought we were going to take our time? This looks like it's moving awfully too fast for my taste. And how do you suppose we would be able to interrogate him?"

"It's called getting to know each other. You know, you do it on dates," she waved her hand impatiently. "Come on. I know I said we should take our time with this one but we can't refuse an opportunity when it presents itself!"

I slammed my locker shut and turned towards the exit. "No. Absolutely not. I am not going to be alone on a date with him when he and his gang can corner me any second."

"Look, the later we delay everything, the faster their plans will be set into motion. The only reason why all of our enemies have blind-sided us is because we didn't recognize them as our enemies fast enough and we spent all of our time sneaking around to find out more about them. Why not just go right to the source quickly and terminate whatever they have planned for you before they could even think of putting it into motion?"

"What about Patch? I don't want Seth to think I'm actually giving him a chance when I'm satisfied where I am with Patch."

"But if Seth's here to hurt you, wouldn't you want to have a little fun with him by leading him on? As much as I'd like to think Seth is a threat, it is as clear as crystal that this boy is into you." she replied. "We're using Seth because we don't trust him and we could use his interest on you as an advantage. I know it's risky business but this is all we got so far. He's willing to be friendly with you. Grab that chance and use it against him. You're doing this for your protection and I'm seriously hoping your boyfriend will understand."

Even though Vee had explained it simply, I doubt it will be that easy. I know somewhere along the way, things will blow up in my face.

I was settled down on Patch's bed, doing my history homework when my phone rang. Quickly fishing it out of the depths of Patch's sheets, I checked who the caller was, expecting my mom to be on the other line. I frowned when an unknown number flashed on the screen. I hesitated for a moment, not knowing if I should take the call especially now I know I have unknown threats lurking from behind me.

A small flash of hope flickered across my mind as I thought the caller might be Patch. With reckless abandon, I answered, "Hello?"

"You sound nice even on the phone," the voice cheerfully greeted on the other line.

I frowned, not recognizing the voice and a tad bit disappointed it wasn't the voice I was looking forward to hear the most. "Who is this?"

"Seth Clearwater," he replied and I could almost imagine him smiling.

"Seth," I repeated the name in a dull tone.

I heard him scoff but when he spoke, his tone was still gentle. "Way to hide your disappointment, Nora."

"Seth, it's not like I don't want to talk to you…" I replied in an earnest voice but he cut me off.

"You don't have to make excuses. I mean, the boyfriend does weigh more to you than a guy you just met. Besides, my track record isn't spectacularly clean at all. You did meet me when you were cornered by some guys from my reservation. It's actually quite amazing you're talking to me now, especially when I do know them and I am a part of…what did you call it?"

"A gang?" I helped out, with a small chuckled on my own. "Well to your defense and to tell you why I'm talking to you, you did defend me. If you didn't interrupt them, then I would have been in trouble."

"Ah, so it's Seth coming to the rescue. I like that."

I smiled. I still don't trust him and I'm only getting friendly with him because I wanted to know why young Nephilim like himself and the rest of his gang were going after me. But I was surprised at how easy it was to actually talk to him. However, it wasn't enough to let my guard down. "Who says chivalry is dead, right?"

"Right," he agreed.

"So, how did you get my number?" I asked him, a moment later, realizing I never gave it to him.

"Vee," he answered shortly. Immediately, I jumped to the conclusion he had fished it out of her head. But my theory was shot down when he added, "She ran after me just as I was getting into my car. Apparently, I have your friend's vote of confidence so she wants me to, and I quote, 'Pursue the challenge of stealing you away from your boyfriend'. Is he really that bad?"

"No," I told him, rolling my eyes. "Vee lives for the drama. She doesn't necessarily dislike him. It's more of a trust issue but he proved himself well enough," I wondered if I said too much, then I just wished I said nothing at all. Choosing to avert the topic a little, I added, "Nothing stirs up drama like two guys fighting over a girl."

"What did he do to gain Vee's trust?" he asked and for the second time, I wanted to kick myself.

"Well, you know…We've been together for months now and he hasn't done anything that…compromises with my virtue," I said, deciding to be vague.

"Sounds like a trustworthy fellow." His amused tone had returned and I couldn't help feeling relieved that he hadn't been suspicious enough to ask any more questions. "So when will I meet this charming, oh-so-dreamy guy? I kind of want to support Vee's favor of the dramatic, so I want to know what it is I'm competing with."

I rolled my eyes again. "Well, he's very hard to compete with."

"Oh, don't tell me. Football player with washboard abs and the whole school going crazy type?"

How about hot, dark, damned, and dangerous? "No but pretty close."

"Well I might have a fighting chance. Saying those kinds of guys are not the smartest tool in the toolbox is a kind understatement."

"We'll see," I told him, eager to end the conversation before this turned into one of those testosterone fueled speeches. "You'll meet him soon enough. Anyways, I have to go. I'll see you at school all right?"

"Hey, that dinner offer is still out. If you ever change your mind, you can call me on this number. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Okay. Bye." I hung up. I wasn't sure if I should feel satisfied that Vee's plan is working beautifully or a bit wary that it's actually working this fast.

After school the following day, I found Seth leaning against my Volkswagen with his arms crossed. When he saw me, his boyish smile appeared on his lips. I lifted my eyebrow up curiously and he pushed away to greet me.

"You're not going to use this car," he said, approaching me, his arms spreading as if he's blocking me from my car.

"Why not?" I asked slowly.

"We're going out for dinner," he said as if this was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Wait, I thought you were leaving the decision of going out to dinner with you up to me? What happened to that?" I asked a little annoyed he was being so brash.

He shrugged. "Well I figured your boyfriend is ahead of me by months so I have a lot of catching up to do. That and Vee is very persuasive."

"What about my car?" I protested, waving towards it. "There's no way in hell I would be leaving this here at school."

"Vee volunteered to bring it home," Vee said, walking towards us with a smile. "Anyways, can I talk to you for a second, Nora?"

"You can say it here," Seth said with a polite smile but his tone was suddenly suspicious.

"Well, it's kind of embarrassing," Vee told him smoothly, her flashy smile appearing. "If you want to know, I'm just going to give my Nora here a little pep talk."

"It's fine," I piped in, looking at Vee and Seth confused but I knew whatever Vee's plan was right now plays a role in the grand scheme of things. We left Seth still standing by the Volkswagen and I followed Vee near the entrance of the school where the rest of the student body is flowing out.

"This is your chance, Nora," she whipped around, fire in her eyes. "This is your chance to know everything you can get out of Seth."

"Through a date?" I asked her incredulously. "Do you honestly think he's going to spill out his guts and say, 'What are you having, Nora? I heard they have the best steak here. By the way, did you know my little super Nephilim posse is planning on kidnapping you in exchange for your half sister and her mother? Oh, would you like soda or water?'?"

"No," she grimaced. "But you can follow him afterwards. Don't you see? The dirtiest tricks are done behind closed doors. That's when we infiltrate. This whole date thing is just a distraction. You can pretend to be enjoying and having a great time so he will let his guard down. Once he brings you home, that's when you follow him again and you pin him!"

"Did it ever cross your mind that I might actually be abducted? What if once I get into his car, the rest of his gang shows up and actually use me to get Marcie and Susanna back?"

"Oh, crap! I didn't think of that!" her eyes widened with her mouth gaping. Yeah, there was the realization I was looking for. "We need to cancel it." But when she said it, she sounded like she was definitely regretting it.

So who am I to trump her little play as investigator for my own safety, right? I heaved out a sigh. "Fine, I'll do it. Only if you follow us from behind, do you understand? And please be conspicuous about it."

"No, Nora. I'm not going to let you risk your neck now that you pointed that out to me. I'll cancel it."

I stopped her with a hand. "I'll be fine. You and Patch taught me well. I'll just be putting up my defenses and if it comes to a fight, then I think I will be prepared."

I turned around and walked back towards the car, putting on an effort to brighten my face. I looked around for Seth but he was already standing a couple of feet away from my Volkswagen, leaning on a shiny black Camaro.

"Your ride?" I asked him, trying to remember if this was the car he had used yesterday or the day that I heard someone mind speaking to him. "I don't remember it being this nice."

"Oh, no you're right. I just got this for our special little date. I've been using a cheaper rental car for the past few days and I thought I wouldn't impress anyone with an old model of the Civic, will I?"

I pulled on an exaggerated grimace to hide my worry. Camaros are fast and, though it's obviously a head-turner, it's still new so no one would have had enough time to register it with Seth. If I disappear tonight, there would be a good chance no one, besides Vee, would know I was last with him.

He walked over to the passenger side and opened the door for me. With a smile, I ducked under his arm and settled inside. I quickly looked around the impressive interior to find anything that would help me know what he is but nothing was out of the ordinary. I was about to look for any weapon I could use just in case when he entered the vehicle and placed it in gear before driving away.

"So, where are you planning on taking me?" I asked him, noticing he was careful not to reveal anything personal about him. He hadn't even turned on the radio. Apparently even his choice of music is too big of a secret.

"I've heard a little Mexican restaurant a few blocks away from here called Borderline. I heard their tacos are pretty amazing. Heard of it?"

I bit my lip as my stomach sank to my spine. Of course he had to pick the place where my M.I.A. boyfriend used to work and where a particularly embarrassing moment in my life involving a blonde wig, a short skirt, and a pair of five-inch sharkskin stilettos happened. "Yeah, I've heard of it." Understatement of the year, right there.

"Are the food as good as they say?" he asked eagerly as he slowed down in front of a stoplight.

"Well, I think it was better a few months back. One of their better cooks had quit so the tacos are not as high quality," I told him distractedly as I slyly looked at the side mirror to check Vee. To her credit (or should have I been worried?), she wasn't found.

"That's too bad. I was banking on making everything perfect."

"Well, you have to be optimistic, right?" I retorted, smiling. He chuckled softly as he eased into a parking lot in front of the Borderline. An uneasy queasiness filled me as I took in the Borderline's details. Memories of the time I came here to investigate more about Patch filled me. It seemed such a long time ago. Guilt filled my stomach as Seth opened my door for me. I don't know where Patch is and where he could be at this moment but here I am, going out with someone else as if I didn't care about what happened to him.

As we stepped inside, the warm air and strong spices greeted us. I pushed away the guilty thoughts at the back of my mind. I would have to deal with that later on. I mean, it wasn't the first time I went out with a guy for the sake of information. I need to put it off for now and focus on getting what I need out of Seth.

We stopped in front of the hostess booth. She had strawberry blonde hair and the smallest face with the biggest blue eyes I've ever seen. She was chewing impatiently at her gum when she laid her eyes on Seth. Tall, handsome, deliciously tanned skin with the combination of innocent eyes and a baby face. Who wouldn't be attracted to him?

"Well, what can I do for you?" she asked, batting her eyelashes at him, her smile widening at a painfully fast rate. I almost rolled my eyes. I shifted my weight a bit and that was when she noticed me. Her eyes turned cold and a bit annoyed. "So, table for two?"

"That would be perfect, please," Seth said pleasantly. The hostess popped her bubblegum, giving me a once-over while grabbing a couple of the menu. She turned and started making her way past the tables. Seth and I followed until she gave us a secluded table at the very back of the restaurant with the worst lighting. I was afraid Vee wouldn't be able to see us without making it completely obvious. But something wormed its way through my head. Why would the hostess, who was obviously annoyed I was Seth's date, give us such a secluded table with rather high levels of privacy? Unless there was some brainwashing involved.

"Our servers will be with you shortly," she said curtly as she rolled her eyes on me. I would have pointed out her rudeness but before I could say anything, she turned around, leaving me with Seth at this little booth.

"Well, here I was thinking you were going to start ripping her hair out with that look in your eyes." He tried to hide his smile by dodging behind the menu but it was plain as day.

"Yeah well she was ready to tear my face out too, if you haven't noticed," I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms.

"No, I didn't. I was too busy watching your face," he retorted with a full-on smile now. This earned him another eye-roll. He returned his attention back to the menu, I suspect to avoid laughing flat out in my face. "So, expert, what is good here?"

We looked over the menu for a few minutes, forced into silence. I tried to think of ways to strike up a conversation to get some information but I didn't know exactly what to say without sounding completely suspicious. Our waiter came up to us, with a pen and a small slip of paper ready in his hand. But when I saw his round face and took in the bright blonde curls hidden in his low cap, I almost fell out of my seat. It was Pepper Friberg standing in front of us, with his wide eyes traveling between me and then to Seth and then back again. A sinking feeling settled down on me as he must have jumped into whatever conclusion this looks like.

"Well, well, well, Nora Grey," he said, his cherubim face lighting up despite the darkness. "Who is this strapping young lad?"

Seth was looking at me curiously. When I refused to say anything, Seth held out his hand. "Seth Clearwater. You know Nora?"

Pepper flashed me a cruel smile. "Know her? Yeah, we go way back. That was when Patch was still her boyfriend, which was a month ago? You got on the saddle pretty quickly, Nora. I mean, especially when Patch just heard the big news."

"Patch is back?" I could barely say it. I was feeling dizzy and I felt like there was a huge lump in my throat.

"Patch? Who's Patch?" I heard Seth ask the two of us. But his voice seemed so far away.

"Uh-uh," Pepper shook his head. "I didn't say he's back. I just said by now the…decision has been made concerning Patch. It is kind of too bad that even before his girlfriend knew anything about that decision, she's already playing hooky with another guy."

I was feeling extremely sick. This was a bad idea. I looked at Pepper desperately for more information about Patch's trial but his bright electric blue eyes were revealing nothing. I knew he was enjoying my pain. I stood up quickly, the warm air choking me. I hurried out of the door, slamming hard against it. But even the cool air didn't comfort me. I slapped a hand against my sweaty forehead, trying to force myself into calm. The door opened again and Seth was already stretching out his arms towards me.

"Are you okay?"

"I want to go home," I said, my voice was scary small. "Please, can I go home?"

He nodded, hurriedly rushing towards the car. "Come on."

I almost ran out of the door when he slowed to a stop in front of the farmhouse. I didn't even bid him good night as I ran up the steps and slammed the door behind me. I was shaking, my heart raced, and my eyes were welling up with tears. I blinked them away as I fished out my phone out of my pocket and dialed Vee's number.

"Babe, where in the world are you?" Her voice was breathless and panicky. "I've been combing the Borderline for you. Did you get anything on Seth?"

"I'm at home," I barely choked out. "Can you come here quickly, please? I need the car."

"I'm speeding to you as we speak. I'll be there in about ten minutes."

The moment I saw the light from the Volkswagen, I bolted out of the door and ran towards her, pumping my fist against the window. Why was Vee moving so slow? She got out, her hands lifted innocently.

"Hey, hey chill out! What's going on?! Where's Seth?" she asked me as I pushed her out of the way.

"I don't know. I sent him home," I replied, jamming the key in the ignition.

"Where are you going?"

"Patch is back." I grabbed the gear and backed out of the driveway as fast as I could. The Volkswagen groaned loudly but I ignored it. I flattened the gas, zooming through the road. Lucky there was no cop with nothing else to do but hand out tickets. The images flashing inside my head wasn't good either. I kept seeing Patch's mangled motorcycle with him nowhere in sight. I parked roughly in front of the penthouse and slipped out of the car. I pushed his door open and the darkness greeted me.

I felt the electric buzz in the air before I felt his warm, secure arms wrap around me, holding me tightly. Patch was there, he was back. I felt a string of air escape my lips and I didn't realize I've been holding it in the whole time. I buried my face in his chest and tried hard not to cry.

"You're here," I murmured in relief. I felt my eyes watering and my face was warming. "You're back. You're finally back."

"I told you I will always find a way back to you," he whispered soothingly.

"I'm not dreaming right?" I asked him, afraid that any minute I will wake up and Patch would still be gone.

He pulled away to look straight into my eyes. "I'm home," he said before pulling me closer to him. Our lips met and I knew everything in the world is right again.

I resurfaced first, breathless as usual. A smile was stamped in my face and my heart was beating erratically. "I know I promised you something before you left."

His eyebrow arched up but his face remained serious. He shook his head, "I don't want you to do something you feel like you're being forced to do."

Okay, it wasn't the reply I was expecting. I was looking forward to an innuendo or at least a sly smile, not some kind of sudden display of conscience. I pushed it away as I shook my head. "No, I want this. I want you."

The smile I was hoping for appeared as he lifted me. I hooked my legs around his waist and let lips roam the curve of my neck. I was shivering with pleasure as his hands roamed around my back and his kisses intensified. He walked steadily towards the bedroom, stopping only for a moment to slip off the white shirt he was wearing. I was in a frenzy by then. I roamed my fingertips all over his chest, deeply enjoying the electricity under my skin. He gently lowered me to the bed, brushing back a few strands of hair that strayed on my face. I lifted myself with my elbows and slowly unbuttoned my top. But his eyes never left my face. He cupped my cheek with the palm of his hand before lowering himself to a kiss. I knew he was pounds heavier than me, built with lean muscles but he felt as light as a whisper. As the night rolled on, I kept pushing him against me, wanting for more. I felt him inside me, closer than I have let anyone. Though it scared me a bit, I knew, I just knew, that this was exactly the right thing.