Page 85 of Whispers of Fire

Something for his eyes only.

I know he stepped out of his comfort zone when he told me I was his, so I want to show him I can do it too. I roll up the hem of the shirt to my belly button, then tie the fabric on the side of my hips, transforming it into a short top above my white cotton underwear.

Stepping towards him, I lift my index to his shoulder to tell him that I’m ready.

“Can I turn?” he says in a groan. “Just double tap for yes, one for no.”

I feel stupid with my simple underwear, how is this even seductive? I wish I had lacy things or god knows what men like him want.

I tap his shoulder twice.

Slowly, as if he was trying to stay as still as possible, he turns his body towards mine, his chest heaving loudly, his eyes drinking my skin like a parched man finding water.

Is it working? Does he like it?

I’m standing in front of my dark knight in nothing but my white cotton panties, his t-shirt and my wild blonde hair falling on my chest. I bite my lips, unsure of what to do next.

I should go to bed, that was a dumb move. Congratulations, Rose, now he’s going to think you’re easy.

“You trying to kill me, Angel?” he says, clenching his jaw, taking me off guard. His biker way of talking making my knees weak and my mouth dry.

Thank god.

I swallow a smile, blushing so much I know by now I look like a tomato. Stepping closer, he carefully cups my face with his large, tattooed hand, his breathing quickening.

“You're so beautiful,” he says, kissing me tenderly, but I want so much more so I step closer to him, searching for his touch. Disappointment hits me when he steps back, both of us out of breath.

“If I touch you, Rose,” his eyes burn into mine, “I'll lose my mind, and, fuck, I don’t think I’ll be able to stay in control like you’re used to.” His voice is strained, like he’s in physical pain from holding himself back.

Oh.

Taking the corner of the cover of the bed, he lifts it and tilts his head. “C’mon, Angel, get in.”

I slide into his bed while he tucks me in as if I was the most precious thing he ever had in his life.

“Come back soon,” I sign to him.

“Goodnight, sweetheart,” he signs back, taking my breath away once more before kissing my forehead and walking to the stairs.

I sigh and turn to the side, loving the feeling of the soft fabric of his t-shirt on me. His room is so familiar to me now. The way his bedside table is tidy with a few books and a water bottle. The warmth of the small lamp in the corner of the room bathes me in an orange cocoon.

I'm glad he wanted me to stay here tonight. Since I discovered the Elders’ Vow today, I find it unbearable to be in the presence of my parents or any member of my community. It all makes me sick, looking at them playing their part like actors on a set. After spilling my guts out in the girls’ bathroom today, I felt numb, as if I had lost all hope and sense of safety, which was already holding on by a thread ever since the accident.

The accident.

No, don't go there, Rose .

I swallow hard, pushing away the flames dancing in my memories.

I can’t go there.

Not again. I don’t have enough strength to face it yet. And maybe I never will.

I exhale, snuggling under the cover, fighting my brain and trying to focus on the first ride Vox gave me tonight. The warmth of his body against mine, the speed, the wind blowing in my ears, making the outside world dull into a white noise.

It was magical, like I had been given a break from the chaos of my life.

There’s still so much I don’t know about Vox, about what he really does for the club, about his past, and so many other things. But I’m running out of time here, and at the end of the month, I won’t be able to drive in the night with him anymore or watch movies and eat his mac and cheese like we used to.

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