Page 64 of Where the Dark Knelt
I was already resigning myself that he was probably going to kiss me, while was deciding whether I would kiss him back. It was like it was already a foregone conclusion.
Chapter Twenty-Six
THIS HAS TO STOP
Iheld my breath as I waited to see what he did next. I was scared to move in case he thought I was giving him a green light to do it. Still pinned by my hips, Alfie held me in place. I swallowed hard and licked my lips because they were so dry.
Alfie bit his bottom lip again in response.His arms were slightly trembling, and I was distracted by this and almost leaned into him, but I eventually managed to squeak out, “No.”Shit,I was disappointed with how weak and pathetic my voice sounded.I couldn’t even convince myself, so how the hell was I going to convince him?
Raising an eyebrow at me, he moved closer, until his lips almost touched mine, his forehead slightly brushing mine.He licked his lips slowly.Kiss me,I thought.
I couldn’t move. Both of us breathed unevenly and his hot ragged breaths wafted over my face. Closing my eyes, I prepared myself for the fabulous rush of sensation his kiss always gave me but he abruptly pushed himself off the door and moved away from me. Turning, he traced a fingertip down my cheek as he swept himself around the other side of thedoor, leaving me unable to think as he disappeared out of sight.
I stood breathless, exhaling through my nose, my legs shaking.My senses were battered from his touch, his smell, his aura, his devastating smile, and all the familiar sensations he stirred in me.
Alfie had made meache for him again. I was so turned on and full of want for him, it engulfed my feelings of anger, frustration, sadness and loss.
What the hell did he want from me? Was he punishing me because I didn’t want to continue with our arrangement?
I wished at that moment that I wasn’t so attracted to him. But it was more than that. I felt a need for him that I hadn’t felt for anyone before in my life.
Somewhere along the line, I’d developed strong feelings for Alfie, which made him a dangerous sexual magnet for me.In my stunned silence, I became aware my cell had beeped. I had a text message.
Will: where did you go?
Lily: I’m in the building next to the car lot.
Will: stay there I’ll be right over.
Will ran toward me, his feet splashing on the saturated lawn, his hair still damp. He looked in a better mood than when I first saw him this morning. Smiling and breathless, he said, “Mandy has invited us over this evening, you up for that?” I nodded and wiped some water from his neck absentmindedly.
“Yeah, it’ll be nice just to hang out.”
Will looked a little embarrassed. “I don’t wantSaffyto come, Lily.”
Looking concerned, I questioned him. “Will?”Heshrugged, and sighed heavily, holding my gaze with a sad look. “I just want a little space, Lily. It doesn’t make me a bad person, does it? I just want to talk with people without accusations from her. I’m not looking to do anything wrong.” I understood his frustration.
Sometimes it felt obtuse. Wehad found ourselves sneaking conversations with each other, on one occasion reverting to text messages to arrange a gig, because she was being ridiculous with her jealousy.
Squeezing his hand in support, I said, “You need to work it out. I don’t want to be stuck in the middle of this. Both of you are my friends.”
Giving me a small smile, he kissed my forehead with affection. “I knew you’d get me, Lily.”
During the day, we were very productive at college, working some great arrangements into our music. In the evening wewent directly to Mandy’s from campus. She had a very cute ground floor condo with a small private garden.
A garden was the one thing I missed about living in an apartment block. Mandy’s parents had sold their family home, and bought this for Mandy, while they were working overseas.
She was a great littlehostess and had made hotdogs, burgers, and salad. Will devoured as much as he could fit in his stomach. No doubt about it, the man enjoyed his food. I was in awe at where he put it all because there was not an ounce of fat on him.
Neil arrived, with a few other faces I vaguely knew, and we all sat on some stacking plastic patio chairs.The atmosphere was so relaxed, and conversations between us flowed easily. With all of us studying music, we had so much in common.
I felt happier than I had in weeks. When the doorbellchimed, I wondered who else could be coming, because most of our group was already here.
A strange sensation came over me and I felt Alfie’s presence before I saw him. Even though I had that feeling, I was still shocked when I looked up and saw him leaning in the patio doorway.
The effect he had on me when I saw him was incredible. Alfie stoodthere looking very cool with a beer in his hand, and his eyes scrutinized me.
My heartbeat was off the charts fast, and I was trembling as my body reacted to the mere sight of him. Trying to continue the conversation I was involved in, I struggled, conscious of him watching me. Will was sitting close to me, and as if on cue he turned and gave me a slow smile. I returned this automatically.
