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Even if only temporarily.
21
CREIGHTON
“Should we leave?”
Annika lifts her head from my shoulder and whispers so the people surrounding us don’t hear her.
Her voice is sheepish, reluctant. Two traits that I would’ve sworn she lacked.
But then again, Annika has always proved that she’s the exception to every conclusion I’ve drawn about her.
In the beginning, I thought she was nothing more than a hyper, spoiled mafia princess who was too sheltered to understand how the world works.
And while some of that is true, I know for a fact that she’s been trying her hardest to forge past the image her parents and upbringing have tailored for her.
The process is slow, but she’s determined to gain back control of her life.
If her persistence in getting my attention at the beginning is any indication, then that determination will pay off.
I slide my fingers through her hair and lay her head back on my shoulder.
It’s been a week since I fully claimed her as mine, and I’ve been having this urge to constantly touch her, her hair, beneath her jaw, over her shoulder.
Anywhere I can reach.
However, that proves to be a problem, considering we have different classes, don’t share the same living space, and she still has to hide from her brother’s watchful eye.
“Does that mean we can stay?” she murmurs, her voice hopeful and trusting.
“I didn’t say we have to leave.” Despite an annoying group at the back who’s focusing on eating and being a loud nuisance instead of watching the film.
“I just thought all the noise would bother you.” She stares up at me. “I want to go out with you all the time, but not if you’re uncomfortable.”
Would you look at that?
My Annika has been learning my patterns with a speed even I can’t fathom.
She’s considerate of my character, has developed a liking for dates in quiet places, and doesn’t push when I refuse to comment further about my past.
Instead of antagonizing me, she understands.
Instead of pressuring me, she steps back.
And I know that must take effort, considering her persistence traits.
I stroke her hair and can’t resist inhaling the scent of violets. It flows through my blood, slowly but surely becoming a part of me.
“I’m not uncomfortable when I’m with you, little purple.”
I don’t see her reaction to my words, but I feel it in the way she presses tighter into my side, wraps her arm around my middle, and even leans into my touch.
She’s a myriad of colors and a splash of energy. A very expressive person, whether through her fluid body movements or her words.
If I was told I would be into someone like Annika a few months ago, I would’ve considered the possibility insane.
But while that was a blasphemous idea at the time, the thought of reverting to the life I had before her fills me with inexplicable rage.
