Page 96 of Through You
I shrug. “Maybe.”
“You know what they say about those who play with fire, don’t you?”
I finish with the dishes and dry my hands with a towel.
“And why should I be afraid when Iamfire?” I point to my hair.
Artemis laughs. He keeps his eyes locked with mine as he stands and walks around the table, slowly dragging his fingers along the edge.
“You are fire . . .” he whispers, and I have a hard time swallowing.
I have to lift my face to look at him when he comes to stand in front of me. My heart is racing, and I try to control my breathing.
My god. What is this tension I sense in the air? I’ve never felt anything like it before. Artemis licks his lips, observing me attentively.
He extends one hand to me and uses it to cradle my cheek.
“I missed you.”
I want to tell him that I missed him, too, but the words are stuck in my throat. So instead I lift my hand and touch his cheek, feeling his light scruff under my palm. I reply with a smile. The dim lighting in the kitchen makes his brown eyes appear black.
I’m in awe at how much his features have aged and the maturity of his appearance. Part of me is on guard and doesn’t want to be vulnerable again—the hurt from a few months ago is still fresh—but this time I know he’s being honest. Artemis lowers his gaze, staring at my lips. I can see desire in his eyes. It’s evident he wants to kiss me, but he’s not sure if it’s something I want, given everything that’s happened between us.
“You are so beautiful,” he whispers as he strokes my cheek with his thumb.
“I know.”
He raises an eyebrow. “Very well, then.”
He lowers his hand and steps back, breaking all physical contact between us.
“Tomorrow after class I’ll pick you up at campus and take you out to dinner.”
“Hmm, let me think about it.”
“You’ll think about it?”
“Fine, I accept. But it’s just because the food tonight was delicious.”
“Good. Also, I’m not sure if clarification is needed, but just in case: we’re going on a date. Okay?”
“Okay.”
He waves. “Good night, Claudia.”
“Good night, Artemis.”
He gives me a smile, then turns his back on me and walks away. I move fast and catch up to him. I grab his arm to turn him around and grab him by the collar of his shirt to kiss him. He immediately reciprocates with kisses as hungry as mine. Our lips brush and I become wet as our passion ignites. My entire body is burning up from one kiss. The moans coming from his lips indicate that he feels the same. I move my head slightly to one side and deepen the kiss, enjoying every second.
That’s enough, Claudia. Or you’ll end up screwing him righthere on the table.
I pull away from him but he grabs me by the waist. He presses me against his body and tries to kiss me again. I put my thumb on his lips to block his attempt and he shakes his head.
“You’re not the one in charge,” I tell him, freeing myself from his arms. “It’s me who’s in control.”
And I walk away, leaving Artemis alone in the kitchen, breathing heavily and wanting me.
After all he’s done to me, from this moment on I will be the one who decides if something happens between us.
