Chapter 9

Arms

The feeling is painfully familiar, as if it's meant to be like this forever. Being completely wrapped around his arms, his hitched breathing pressed against my neck, his body rigid, almost shaky, and the soft, pleading words escaping his mouth inundate me into an undiminished serenity. I feel safe, secure with him holding me vigorously and I get the feeling that he is proving something to me.

He will never let me go.

His hold is indestructible and there is no such thing as time in this instant. My arms are securely wrapped around his neck as he supported both of our weights. My feet hung a few centimeters of the ground. If it were anyone else, I would have been reminded of the way my feet hung when Trent would have me in a chokehold. But this was Eddie, my mind and body knew.

"I'm sorry." His broken voice echoed, and I took in each word. I whispered that he didn't need to apologize, but it wasn't enough for him. My body shivered slightly causing him to gently place me down. A few tears gradually rolled down my cheek. I wiped them away with my side of my pointer finger. Eddie's arms came to rest next to his sides. I wanted nothing more but to be in them again, wrapped firmly around me. Fighting off the desire, I distracted myself by staring at the Yin and Yang amulet hanging down on his chest.

"Loren," At the sound of the sweet call of my name, I immediately looked up to see his eyes softly looking at me. I stared off into his brown eyes, glistening, yet gently gazing at me with so much adoration. His hand lightly rested on my cheeks; I felt his thumb gently wipe away stray tears. I placed my hand on top of his, I melted into his touch. I closed my eyes and sighed, tiredness consuming. Now that I was with him, I could let my guard down for a bit. Eddie's other hand cupped my cheek, and he leaned closer to me. He looked at me with so much intensity.

"I'm sorry I hurt you, it was never my intention."

He said below a whisper. "I know," I murmured. His right hand thumb gently traced my bottom lip, "I'm sorry I ran away." My heart almost exploded as I felt his forehead press on mine and his hands drop down to my waist. I could drown in his chocolate eyes. I hesitantly placed my hands on his chest, gripping his dress shirt into my hands. It was the first time I noticed Eddie's attire. He was wearing a long-sleeved white shirt, with sleeves rolled to his elbows. He had the first three buttons of his shirt unbuttoned, providing a peek of his chest. He had black dress pants, and leather dress shoes. He looked divine, and I wanted to bury my face into his chest.

"Chloe is nothing to me." Was it bad how much I thoroughly enjoyed how dismissive he was of her? "She had barged into my apartment without my permission. We argued, I wanted her out, but she didn't leave no matter what I told her."

I stared at his chest, my fingers fidgeting with a button from his shirt. "I believe you," I am going for honesty, because that's the least he deserves, "I didn't know what to think when I saw her kissing you." I bit my bottom lip trying to think of a better way to explain my rationale, or lack of thereof, in that moment.

"Baby, look at me."

His fingers lifted my chin up and he leaned back, producing space between us. I still wasn't used to his endearment; it still took my breath away and made the butterflies in my stomach fly. His thumb didn't budge from my lips, and his eyes gazed into mine. "I know if I saw someone else kissing you, I would go crazy." I felt his thumb pull my button lip downwards, and I saw indecision dance in his eyes. "Hell, just thinking about it pisses me off."

I wanted him to kiss me. I watched him swallow away his indecision, his thumb was no longer on my lip. "I can't forget that I did hurt you. I allowed Chloe inside, when I should have turned her away as soon as I opened that door."

"We're okay." I whispered.

"No, we're not, not yet," Eddie's hands now moved to my hair, gently playing with my curls, "You left without listening to me. You left the apartment crying. I didn't mean to hurt you," I felt his hands trail down my neck, stopping tentatively by my collarbones. His fingers gently traced the side of neck, and his eyes locked to my jugular. I couldn't put a word to the intense emotion oozing out of him. This was the first time I allowed him to be this close to me except for yesterday, but he was occupied trying to get me to stay. Why did he look like he was remembering a tragedy?

"All my calls were sent straight to voicemail. I waited hours for you to text me or call me back. I wanted to see you and make things right. I wanted everything to go back to how it was. I wanted nothing more than to talk to you, but you never replied. This past day has been hell for me. The idea that you hated me crossed my mind countless times and I began hating myself too. I didn't know what else to do, but I know that I spent three years with you gone and I couldn't take another day now that I had you back, so I talked to Nora, and we came up with this idea. It was the only way to see you again."

I fluttered my eyes a couple of times, and I frowned. "I don't hate you," I murmured, and he smiled, 'I never did."

"I'll never hurt you. You can count on that. But if I do ever mess up again, please don't run away from me again." Eddie leaned in, I was about to tell him that I wouldn't run away, when I felt his thumb back on my lips, gently parting my mouth. "And if you do, this time I will run after you."

My eyes widened, my heartbeat quickened, and the sincerity of his words sunk in deep. His eyes were fixed on my lips. I felt everything all at once. I felt his hand cupped my cheek, the other holding my lips captive in his touch. Held me so tenderly as he pulled me closer to him. I averted my gaze from his eyes to his mouth. I took in our proximity, the space between us diminishing each passing second and I began closing my eyes.

Giving in to the moment.

There's a first time for everything. Like your first words you barely manage to utter when you're a toddler. Or your first baby steps and then you fall on the ground with a thud following and your mother picking you up with tears welling up and pride evident on her face. Or the very first time you broke your arm, and you still remember the abominable pain, but it soon faded as you found comfort in the sky-blue cast. Or your first date with the boy you have been crushing on for a while now, and it seemed like an infinity for him to finally ask you out. Or your first kiss.

Or the very first time your heart got broken and it felt like it was the end of the world. But you recovered and knew there would be more heart aches.

There's a first for everything. For me, I want to cherish this moment. Relish it and hold it forever in my heart and memory, tucking it away, so I can come back to this when I want to remember how it feels to be wanted, almost needed. I felt important. Vital. Like I wasn't the only one who felt breathless when he wasn't around. I'm not suffocating; I'm slowly swimming my way up. Slow and precise strokes, but I'm going towards the compelling light cascading down the empty abyss.

His lips were warm and soft against mine. It was almost a feather touch, lasted for a couple seconds, and long enough for my breath get stuck in my throat. My heart was in his hands, and he was so delicate with it.

Eddie leaned away, his eyes searching mine for hesitation, when he found none, he pressed his lips on mine again. His kiss was still slow, but lingering, almost as if he was savoring every second of it. His mouth gently guided mine, expertly moving his lips against mine and being a quick study, I picked up the beautiful art of kissing. Eddie let me take on the reigns as I set our pace and began kissing him back. I gently kissed him, getting familiar with his lips. I tried different angles, different pressures of kissing him finding what I liked. Eddie was a great kisser, not that I had anything to base it off with my lack of experience, but the way he kissed me back, and how my body warmed at the sensations he caused, I couldn't deny he was a great kisser.

Eddie tentatively sucked my lower lip, and I liked that very much. I liked it so much I wanted to try it on him. Letting me experiment, I took his full button lip in my mouth and sucked gently, causing Eddie to exhale suddenly, and his hands gripped my waist, forcing me to arch my back and pull me deeper into our kiss. I memorized the shape and the feel of his lips. I memorized the way his heart was hammering out of his chest like mine. I was touching him all over, his hair, head, cheeks, neck, shoulders, chest, just touching as much as I could because I can. Eddie's hands stayed glued to my waist, but I longed for him to touch me everywhere too.

I felt Eddie's tongue softly lick my lips, and that made me inhale at the unexpectedness. Eddie pulled away. I drank him in because he was a sight to behold. He was breathing haggardly from our kiss, and I felt his heartbeat under my hand. One of his hands left my waist to caress my cheek.

"Your mom is around." He smiled, and I noticed his lips were red from where I sucked them, "Sorry, I got carried away."

"My mom will live." I murmured as I leaned in again to capture Eddie's mouth on mine. I felt him smile as I wrapped my arms around his neck. His hands were on my back, firmly holding me against him. This time when he licked my lips, I didn't inhale out of surprise but parted my lips, and felt his tongue taste my mouth. I liked that very much. I timidly met his tongue with mine, and he gently guided me again, showing me how good it felt to be this intimate with someone. Eddie moved my head to the side, pulled my face upwards, to deepen the kiss. Oh, he knew what he was doing. Not wanting to fall behind, I pushed my tongue to his mouth, tasting his mouth this time. I felt Eddie ghost of a chuckle resonate in his chest, as I tried hard to beat him at this kissing game, but I lacked a lot of experience, whereas he had an abundance .

"What are you trying to, Tate?" His voice was all husky and breathless, fanning against my mouth, it did things to me.

"Trying to win at kissing."

He laughed so nicely; I watched his head leaning back as he laughed freely. His eyes crinkled with happiness. "I think you're going to need more practice in order to beat me, baby."

"Practicing shouldn't be problem if I have you as a kissing partner."

"Is that a compliment?" I hummed in agreement, and Eddie kissed my forehead. "That can definitely be arranged." I felt so lightweight knowing I could touch him and kiss him as much as I wanted. "Now, while I would really love to continue tasting and exploring your sweet mouth, Nora is shooting daggers at me, I would prefer to live another day to see you, beautiful."

I sighed, "Fine." Of course he had to be a gentleman. I didn't unwrap my arms around him as I stared at him. He looked at me waiting for me. "I trust you, and I'm sorry I doubted you." Eddie smiled gently; he squeezed my back. I then felt his hands gently caress the bit of exposed skin my dress didn't cover. I imagined them holding me and touching me everywhere. I instantly pushed those thoughts away, that moved onto dangerous, too fast, too soon, territory.

"Are you hungry? I got catering from a restaurant down the block, it's appetizers but, it's pretty decent. I requested a chocolate fountain."

I hadn't eaten anything since lunch today, and it was getting close to eight. "I could eat, where's the fountain." Not completely pulling myself away from Eddie, I started looking everywhere for the food. I saw it was stationed near the bar. Eddie grinned, "come on, let me feed you."

As we started making way to the food stand, someone yelled coming from the entrance of the club. "Eddie!"

I expected Eddie to let go of my hand, but his grip tightened as he pulled me behind him. I smiled and looked up to meet his gaze. He pressed his lips on my forehead once more and let them linger for a few seconds before his friend got near us. Eddie looked up to him and he sighed, annoyed, our time was disrupted. "What do you want, Ian?" Irritation was evident but Ian disdained the edginess in his voice and averted his eyes between Eddie and me. He cleared his throat and scratched his head. "The witch is here." He stated sheepishly. A suspire escaped Eddie's mouth. His eyes landed on me and concern filled them.

"Loren," he began, but I didn't let him finish. "It's okay." Eddie was still not convinced as he continued to look at me worryingly. I shook my head with reassurance. "I trust you and, honestly, she's not getting in my head again."

"No! Let me go! I need to talk to Eddie! Max, let me go!

"Christ. I still don't see what you ever saw in her." Tyler was walking over to us, rubbing a hand on his left cheek. "She hits like a man." The hold on my hand tightened and I leaned my head on Eddie's shoulder as he placed a light kiss on my head. "Is she gone?"

"No. Max, Nora, and sweet pea are taking care of her. I tried to help, but she slapped me when I carried her to the front." He kept massaging his wound. "Is it red?" He pointed to the perturbing handprint forming on his cheek. I cringed and nodded. Tyler groaned and narrowed his eyes at Eddie. "This is what I get for trying to help you. You owe me one. This isn't a face who can afford to get injured." Heels clashed against the floor and an exasperated sigh sounded. "She's even more complicated than me, and that's saying something!" Melissa sat on the stool and ran a hand through her curls. Mel flinched in annoyance as Chloe yelled again.

"Eddie!"

"Can someone put a sock in that chick?" Ian sat next to Mel and passed her a water bottle. I felt Eddie groan and I turned to look at him. "I'll go settle things with her."

"I'll go with you."

"No," he said quickly. He cleared his throat and regained his composure. "Stay here, I don't want her anywhere near you." He said before swiftly stroking my cheek and walked towards the exit. I watched as he completely vanished as he turned around the corner. I bit my lower lip and smiled when I heard a screech sounding from that direction.

I was starving so I made my way to the food station. I grabbed two plates. One had fruit covered with chocolate from the fountain, and the other had savory appetizers. I headed towards where Ian and Mel were. They were indulged in their conversation and Melissa giggled extrovertly. Ian leaned back on the counter, and I noticed the way he would sneak glances from Melissa when she turned around. I felt imprudent in their space and instead of interrupting them; I let them be and sat a couple of seats away down the bar. I placed the plates in front of me. Before I could start eating, I took out the necklace Eddie gave me from my purse. I scrutinized the circular patterns on them. I frowned as I hadn't given anything for Valentine's and he has already given me so much, two necklaces and this mini concert. I sighed, and thought of what I could give back to him as I waited patiently for Eddie to come back.

"Want something to drink?"

My eyes averted upwards to meet black eyes. A sly smile appeared, and he leaned on the counter. I backed away as I inhaled his strong, accentuated scent. He looked fixedly at me, and I grew ten kinds of uncomfortable. I moved on the stool and cleared my throat. "Coke, please." I murmured and he chuckled forcedly. "Coke coming your way." He walked over to the other side of the counter, and I exhaled in relief. I straightened my dress, and I opened the palm of my hand. I attentively stared at the intricate designs enveloping the circular shape necklace.Yin and Yang.I smiled and traced the letters forming his name with my fingers.

My mind was detracted from the silver jewelry when a cup was placed in front of me. I stared at the bubbles forming at the top and in the content, water perspiring and clinging to the crystal glass. The bartender began tapping his fingers on the counter capturing my attention. I met his suggestive gaze. My jaw clenched and I smiled warily. "Thank you."

"No problem." I nodded and my eyes fell back to the necklace in my hand. I held it carefully, cautious to not let it fall. I placed it back in my purse and picked up a chocolate coated strawberry.

"So, Eddie Duran, huh?"

He spoke again; I didn't know what to say or what his intentions were, so I simply nodded. Thinking that was the end of that, I almost took a bite of the strawberry, but he spoke again, forcing me to put my fruit on the plate. "He's cool. Nice guy. Just a warning, his relationships don't last very long." My mouth set in a straight line. What was he getting at? "You know that model Chloe Carter? Yeah, she's really hot, but apparently, he can't settle for one girl and needs to try all of them."

I continued to stare at him, making my face unreadable, it seemed that it made him uncomfortable. Good. He was trying to get me, but I wasn't as meek as I appeared.

"Don't get me wrong, he is a nice guy just when it completely benefits him."

For a moment, my insecurity and self-consciousness, seeped through. Yelling at me that this vile man was right. I shut down those thoughts. I trust Eddie. I know he wouldn't do anything to hurt me. I won't fall again. I won't be deceived again.

I've had enough.

"Look, you're obviously gorgeous and I just want to spare your feelings before you get hurt, you know? Eddie Duran is not what he appears to be."

I sighed and smiled at him sweetly. "I didn't fucking ask for your advice, and honestly, I don't know why you're still talking."

I caught him off, and a sinister smile spread over his face. What the hell.

"Look babe," He lurched closer and I leaned farther. I wanted to wipe off that stupid grin. I held my own, not backing down. "I'm just looking out for you. I know for a fact that Eddie Duran is not right for you."

"Again, why are you still talking?"

Why were my rebuttals making him even more interested. "I've been around long enough to know what's behind his whole sweet and nice rock star act. Nobody is nice to be nice around here. It's Hollywood, babe, you're in a tank full of sharks. They won't eat you until they get what they want from you and when they do, they will devour anything that is left of you."

"Is that what you think happened to you? You've never considered the fact that maybe you are just a god-awful person, and no one wants to be around you?" I mockingly showed concerned, and whatever I said seemed to hit him where it hurt.

The smile was wiped off his face. "Fuck you." I refrained from smiling and dancing in triumph. He spoke ill of Eddie; I bite back when they offend the people I care about. "Fucking Eddie Duran, always get the beautiful and dangerous women, the one everyone wants. First, Chloe Carter, I had a chance with her, but the gold digger saw money in his hands, and he got her. And now he's going for the sweet, vulnerable, and wholesome girl who can bite back. And guess what? I think I want her too."

"That's nice. What don't you go look for her?"

"You do know I'm talking about you, right?" He shook his head. "It sucks that you don't really realize how every man in this room was staring at you as soon as you entered. Hell, I was looking at you throughout his wannabe soulful song."

He smiled as he poured auburn color liquid into a glass, and then took a swig at it, drinking it all in one shot. "I want you and I don't even know you. Let's ditch the pretty rock star and I will rock your world like no other."

My face cringed in disgust. I had enough of him and stood up to leave. He quickly grabbed my arm, and my skin prickled in terror. I had the sudden urge to hurt and yell. I swallowed those thoughts, he wasn't Trent, but that didn't mean I didn't want to start kicking and punching him to get his hands off me. "Where are you going? Don't leave me, not whenI want you and I need you.Cheesy lyrics he came up with, huh? Tell me you didn't fall for that charade? Serenading you? I can do that."

I looked at his hand gripping my arm tightly, too harsh. And I never detested someone so fast as I grew to hate him. Repugnance and abhorrence completely consumed me towards this person who I just met. His words didn't sink, I didn't allow it. I didn't grant them permission to sip in and began playing games with my mind.

"Let me go."

I grabbed my untouched soda; he was going to let me go one way or another.

"Come with me. You'll feel incredible when you wake up tomorrow after I am done with you – " His words stopped as I poured the soda on his head. If he didn't let me go, my next move would be my fist on his face. "You fucking bitch, what the hell." His grip tightened, I guess a punch it is. I flexed my hand into a fist, tucking my thumb over my index and middle fingers, extending my free hand, aligning me to be straight and firm. I knew how to punch, I had to learn. The first time I punched Trent I almost broke my hand. As I turned my hips, and began making the motion of punching him, my body was pulled backwards, the grip on my hand finally let go, and I suddenly was shielded by a broad back. I recognized him instantly just from the way my body didn't recoil from his touch on my wrist that was still burning from the other man's hold.

"Touch her again, and you will end up crawling back to whatever fucking hole you came from."

Eddie was a menace, and he didn't make threats, he made promises. I watched his free hand flex several times, almost as if he was itching to break something. His eyes were hard, his jaw clenched, and his body rigid. It dawned to me then that he wanted to hurt this man, and it made my heart flutter knowing that he felt so strongly overprotective of me. I immediately intertwined my fingers with his. I looked at him pleadingly as he stared at the bartender. I've never seen him like this. The way he was angry at Chloe couldn't compare to his rage directly pointed to the man in front of us. This was a different type of rage, it took my breath away, but I felt safe.

"Eddie, bro, it's not what it looks like."

"Shut up, James." He said between his teeth.

"Eddie, he's not worth it." The last thing I wanted was for Eddie to get into a fight. The last thing I wanted was for this sorry-excuse-of-a-man to use that to his advantage and paint his own story to the media. I didn't want Eddie's career to take a hit, not for me.

"We were just talking, that's all."

I bit my lip to restrain the incoherent words coming out of my mouth. I'm used to people like him. Two-faced. It's not surprising how he is kissing up to his ass now. Is this the kind of people Eddie had to deal with 24/7?

"It didn't seem like it. Tell me, why are you drenched?"

The man had no response for this. Instead, he ignored Eddie's question, "Well, it's what it was. Nothing was going on. She's just very shy and I tried to get her to lighten up." I noticed he couldn't look at Eddie. He couldn't even look at me.

"I suggest you get the fuck out of here before I do anything to you."

I heard James heave a sigh and murmured something before leaving quickly. He didn't spare us another glance and left promptly. As soon as he was out of sight, I heard Eddie sigh as I instinctively stood in front of him. My fingers found his jaw, trying to soothe the tension. "He's gone." I whispered. Eddie's hand wrapped around my wrist, tenderly caressing away the other man's touch. "Good. Good."

"Are you okay?"

"I'm seconds away from going after him and beating him to a pulp." He grimaced. "But yeah, I think I'm okay. Are you okay?" I nodded in relief as I felt his body relax. "You didn't look okay. I saw how you were readying yourself to punch him." He smiled, "it looked like it was going to be a good punch."

I nodded proudly, "It was going to be." I shrugged my shoulder. "But good thing you intervened before I landed a hit." My nose scrunched up as I recalled his filthy hands on me. "It seemed like he enjoyed my rejection, it's like it excited him." Vile almost came up my throat.

I felt Eddie's body tense up again. I played with his hair to distract him, that seemed to work as I felt him relax again. "What did he say to you?"

"Nothing you should worry about it."

"Loren, whatever he said – "

"Are all lies." I smiled reassuringly. "I know. He's very jealous of you." I felt his jaw clench, so my fingers tried soothing it again. "His words didn't affect me, well, that's a lie." I giggled as I remember how I wanted to start punching and screaming when he spoke bad about Eddie. "He was saying some really mean, untrue, things about you, and that made me mad." I wrapped my arms around his torso and pushed my face into his chest and inhaled gently. He smelled like a woodsy blend with subtle bourbon vanilla. I felt his lips kiss the top of my head as he wrapped his arms around me. "I trust you, thank you for coming to save me." I murmured against his chest, inhaling some more.

"Always." He whispered his promise.

"Did Chloe leave?" I could almost feel him wince at the sound of her name. "Yes." He sighed. "I think she left me deaf. My ears are still ringing. Hopefully, she's gone for good."

"Hopefully?"

"Okay, I'll make sure she never lays a finger on you. I won't let her or anyone hurt you. And if they do, they don't know the hell they're bringing on them."

I parted away from him and smiled. "Thank you for today." He shrugged and placed his hands in his pockets. "Thank you for coming." I smiled at him and turned around to the counter where my forgotten food sat.

"My food got cold," I mumbled as I picked up the strawberry I was about to eat before James decided to be a nuisance. I took a bite and shuffled my feet in a giddy dance. The strawberries were sweet and tart, and the chocolate was rich. My sweet tooth was dancing. I saw Eddie grin, and a perfect eyebrow rose. He wasn't used to my carefree persona, but it was something he would have to get used to.

"You want some?" I pointed towards my plate, as Eddie stood behind me. His arms extended to the counter, locking me in. "Sure," he whispered against my ear. It sent a shiver down my spine, but I composed myself quickly. I pointed to my plate with my head. Eddie didn't move just stared at my mouth and then the strawberry in my hand. I blushed instantly as I knew what he wanted.

Slowly, and gently, I brought the strawberry in my hand to his mouth. Our eyes locked as he took a small bite. I stood mesmerized as he chewed slowly. I noticed some chocolate stick to the corner of his mouth. Without thinking, I wiped it clean with my thumb. "Do you know I like feeding you?" I whispered, again without thinking. As the words left, I felt so embarrassed. Eddie grinned. "I like you feeding me."

We didn't say anything else as we ate. I would eat half of the fruit, and finger food, and feed the rest to Eddie. I wish we could stay in this moment forever. He was so close to me, locked me in his arms. I watched as my mom and Max walked towards us. Eddie turned his attention to them. He shifted his body, I was no longer encased in his arms, but his left hand still held my waist.

"Loren, honey, I think we should head home." I nodded as she stood in front of me. Her hands gently holding my arms.

"It's still a little early, why so soon?" Eddie asked diligently.

"I have an early shift tomorrow."

"You're still coming to tomorrow's concert, right?"

"I'll try to." He frowned. "I will." I reassured him and he smiled in contentment. "So, shall we go?" I asked my mom, and she hesitantly looked at Max. He flashed a smile and placed his hand behind her back. She bit her lip, restraining the smile and I took in their interaction. "If you want, I can go, and you stay here for a little bit longer." She averted her gaze at me, her eyes widened, liking the idea, but she shook her head. "It's okay. We need to rest anyways."

"I can take Loren."

Eddie interjected. There was a twinkle of hope in his eyes. She sighed and looked between us. "We live pretty far and it's late."

"It's not actually. It's only ten." Max interceded and Eddie shot him a grateful smile.

"Loren?"

All eyes were on me, I really wanted Eddie to take me, but I couldn't forget about Melissa. "What about Mel?"

"She left ten minutes ago. Ian gave her a ride."

"Oh, then I can go with Eddie."

"Then it's settled." He said goodnight to my mom and Max, and I barely had time to say goodbye, before he grabbed my hand and began pulling me to the front exit. Eddie kept a considerable pace when he noticed I couldn't walk fast with my shoes. My mom waved at me and Max winked at me. I waved back.

"Slow down, Eduardo!"

"Where the hell were you, Ty?"

"Taking care of Chloe. I took her home."

I waved at Tyler as he laughed as Eddie pushed him away. "Why are we going so fast?"

"If your mom changes her mind, it'll be too late to take you back."

I smiled and we quickly walked towards his car.

"Today was eventful."

"It was."

"If I could rewind, I would make sure Chloe and James wouldn't have ruined it."

"James? Really? I wouldn't."

"Why?"

"Believe it or not I learned something from him. I learned that I'm not so weak."

"You're not weak."

"I let people deceive me, Eddie."

"I don't think you can really avoid deceitful people. We can never know people's true intentions until they show their true colors." We stopped on the stairs leading to my porch. Eddie stepped closer to me; he was still a few centimeters taller than me as I stood on the second step of the porch. The excruciating heels were dangling on one hand. "You are strong, because despite being deceived by people, you overcome it."

"I ran away yesterday," I whispered. I grabbed his necklace and gently played with the pendant. I was breathless as I noticed that my name was engraved on the back.

"But you came today, in spite of what happened yesterday, you came."

A cool breeze made my body shiver. Eddie noticed and he adjusted the leather jacket he had given me when we were in the car. It smelled like him. I felt his hands gently wrap around my waist, pulling me closer to him. I felt him play with the material of my dress. Gently drumming his fingers up and down my waistline.

"You wear this dress so nicely." He murmured. He leaned closer and pressed his lips against my neck. "You have no idea how badly I wanted to pull you into my arms as soon as I saw you today." Me too, I wanted to say, but I was out of words as he continued peppering kisses on my neck. I felt his left hand trail down to where my slit started on my leg. "It gives me great satisfaction that only I can touch you like this." He gently touched my exposed leg. He was respectful and caressed the skin above my knee. It was enough to understand his innocent intention of wanting to explore my body. It didn't mean that my body didn't warm up in response, and I could feel wetness pooling as I imagined his touch everywhere. I wasn't ready for sex, even though my body felt like it was. I knew if he kept kissing me like that and touching me like this, I wouldn't be able to think and just pull him into my room, into my bed.

"I got your envelope," I said to distract my thoughts. This seemed to work as Eddie pulled from my neck, but not before placing once last kiss right above my collarbone. I wanted to ask him what his fascination was with my neck, it seemed that is where his touch would linger now that I allowed him to touch me. "Did you open it?"

"Yeah, but I haven't read the letter yet. I got these." I placed my heels on the floor, opened my purse, took out the necklace, and showed it to him. He smiled and took them from my hand. He unclipped the necklace and coaxed me to turn around. I complied, lifted my hair up in a ponytail and he delicately clipped the necklace around my neck. I reminisce when he did the same gesture three years after we met.

Three years without each other.

I was about to put my hair down, but he stopped me. "I have something else." He whispered, his hot breath simmered down on my neck, and I felt bolts of electricity running down my spine. He fiddled with his pocket, looking for something. And I waited patiently for him. Then I felt something else around my neck. I looked down and stared at the heart shaped diamond.

His mother's necklace.

"It belongs to you."

I turned around and his arms gently pulled me into an embrace. I wrapped my arms around his neck. He held me tight, and I was on my tippy toes as he softly lifted me up.

"I am not going anywhere."

"I don't want you to." I murmured against his neck.

"If you let me, I'll pick up the pieces of your heart and place them back together. If you let me in, I promise that I will always protect you. I want to protect you. I don't know your past. I don't know what happened, but I swear I'll never leave you. I don't care about what it is you had to do to survive then, I care about what it is I must do so you can survive now. Don't be afraid of me, I won't leave. Even if you kick and scream that you hate me, I will always be a heartbeat away, baby. You just tell me you want me here, no questions asked, and I will be."

It felt like an oath to me. I didn't stop the tears as they slipped. I don't think I will ever be ready to open about my past. They still had a grip on me, I still can't let them go. He read me so well, like I was his favorite book, and memorized his favorite excerpts. He pushed right through my walls, easily slipped past my guard. The words that I wanted to say were unspoken and I realize that no matter how much I tried I couldn't speak. It's inevitable just like he managed to come in and sweep me off my feet.

I tried my best to never let him in three years ago, but with each word of affirmation, each touch, each caress, each smile, he slipped past my walls. Now that I tasted his sweet embrace and realized how much I have grown fond of him.

I savored this moment, letting his promise settle into my heart. I felt his lips pepper kiss on my shoulder, and I held onto him for dear life. It'd be easier if he would let me go. It'd be easier if he just turned around and left me for good, because I know I could not. His arms wrapped around me, sturdily and reassuringly. Just one embrace and I felt safe and sound. It felt like home.

I'm already falling, I've been falling for three years now.

I hope he catches me.