Page 49 of Quiet Rage
“What about my parents?”
“I can’t promise that,” he quips. “But I’ll try.”
I guess that’s better than nothing. It doesn't take me long to weigh my options…mostly because I know I don't really have any. He is only giving me the illusion of one.
“I’ll try,” I finally say, feeling like I just agreed to something I’m going to regret later.
Kellen’s lips tuck up into a satisfied smile. “Good.”
“So, how is this going to work?” I ask, genuinely curious.
He shrugs one shoulder, like he is not too sure, himself. “Let’s go inside and figure it out.”
His suggestion has my stomach in knots. Being alone with him usually ends up with me naked. He stayed true to his word last night and didn’t hurt me, but I don’t know if it will be the same today.
“Come on,” he urges, nodding his head towards my front door. He starts to walk away from me, but his gaze remains on me, making sure I’m following.
I chew on my bottom lip and force my legs to move. Together we walk through the front lawn until we get to the door. I pull out my keys and unlock the door with a surprisingly steady hand. Last night, I could barely get this unlocked because I was shaking so bad.
My fear around Kellen is not gone by a long shot, but I have to admit, it’s gotten a whole lot better in a very short amount of time. I’m not sure if that is a good or bad thing. Is it wise tolet my guard down with him? Probably not. Regardless of my thoughts, I lead Kellen through the house and into my room.
“Text your dad and tell him you are not feeling well and staying home,” he says when we get to my room.
I already know arguing about it is not going to work, so I get out my phone and send my father a quick message.
“What now?” I question when we awkwardly stand in my small space.
“Maybe we can watch a movie?” he suggests. “I wouldn’t mind seeing your favorite.”
My eyebrows shoot up, wondering if he forgot which movie my favorite was. “You want to watchTwilightwith me?”
“Sure, why not? A lot of people are obsessed with it. Can’t be that bad.”
“I can pull it up on my laptop,” I offer.
“Okay,” Kellen agrees.
I get my laptop from the small desk under my window. It’s old and needs to be plugged in when I use it, but it gets the job done. I grab the charging cable and bring everything over to my bed, where Kellen has already made himself comfortable. I plug the laptop up and climb onto the mattress next to Kellen.
We both sit with our backs resting against the headboard as I wait for my computer to boot up. When it finally does, I pull up the movie and hit play. I’m just about to lean back and enjoy the film when Kellen snakes his arm around my torso and pulls me over to him. He settles me between his legs, pulling me back until I’m cuddled up against his chest.
He reaches around and fixes the laptop, placing it on my thighs. The familiar beginning scene plays on the screen as I try my best to relax into Kellen’s hold. Surprisingly, it doesn't take long for my stiff muscles to soften. His body heat seeps into me, giving me an oddly comfortable feeling.
We watch Bella’s story unfold in silence and I find myself tipping my head back to rest it against Kellen’s chest. He snakes his arms around me, folding his hands over my stomach. I hate to admit it, but this feels kind of nice.
It’s probably just the endorphins from watching Edward and Jacob swoon over Bella that has my mind confused.
Kellen doesn't comment or laugh throughout the movie like I kind of expect him to. We simply watch while cuddling.
When the movie ends, I’m disappointed it’s over. Not only because I enjoyed watching it, but now that it’s over, Kellen might want to do something else, and the unknown of what’s next is always nerve-racking to me.
I reach out to close my laptop, but Kellen stops me. “Wait. What about the sequel?”
Twisting in his hold so I can look at him, I ask, “Do you really want to watch more?”
“I like to finish what I started,” he explains, a smile playing on his lips.
“Did you even like the first part?” I scan his face intently, trying to find a sign of dishonesty.
