“If you're afraid of the dark and the water, what else are you afraid of?”
I respond quietly, my head clouded by the tiny amount of weed in my system, my body unwinding because I strangely feel safe in his presence.
“Just about everything.”
“The only monster we should fear is the monster within ourselves.”
When I realize he just said lyrics from one of his songs, I continue it without thinking.
“We all fucking sin and eventually go to the deepest depths of hell.”
He laughs quietly and shakes his head.
“You listen to my shit.”
I attempt to be casual in my response.
“Sometimes.”
“You fucking shouldn't; it'll only drag you the fuck down.”
My brows furrow in confusion.
“You think your words drag people down? It's the exact opposite for me.”
He takes a little pause before completely changing the subject.
“You don't appear to be the type of girl who belongs around people like us. If you're scared of the darkness now, things will only get worse for you later if you hang out here.”
I sigh and glance away.
“Nothing can get worse for me, and I'm working on my confidence. Your group pushes me out of my comfort zone, which isn't always a bad thing.”
When he doesn’t respond, I shift the subject.
“Why did you leave the pool today?”
He takes a long breath, his big chest expanding.
“I wanted to be alone. I like being alone.”
“Even when you're surrounded by so many people?”
As the lightning strikes again, I notice him turn to look at me and when it becomes fully black again, I feel his warm, smokey breath against my lips causing me to hold mine.
“This life will devour your innocence in an instant, Charley, just as it did mine, and then it’ll toss you to the fucking side to pick up the pieces it shattered.”
My eyes close, and I feel an unusual sensation inside my gut as his nose brushes against mine and our lips delicately connect.
“But what if the risk is worth it.”
Before speaking forcefully against them, he places his lips hard against mine.
“Then you're fucking stupid.”
I am unable to respond because he slides his warm, soft tongue between my parted lips, and it collides with mine. The intensity of the connection sends a surge of arousal through me almost instantly and he brings his hand to my throat, his fingers capturing my face before he plunges his tongue deeper, exploring every inch of my mouth with dominance.
His kiss is forceful and overwhelming, leaving me unable to think straight. I struggle to match his feral movements, but I find my body responding to his touch, and I press my thighs together, craving so much more.
