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But she’s never looked so damn beautiful.
“Creed, what are you doing here?”
I cup her cheeks as I push her inside her apartment, closing the door behind me.
“I needed to see you.”
I rest my forehead against hers, our breaths intermingling.It feels like it’s been ages since I’ve been this close to her.Even during our training sessions, I’ve been careful to keep my distance.
But tonight, I need this nearness.This connection.
She’s the only thing anchoring me to the ground when I’m no longer sure which way is up.
“But what if you get caught?We agreed that we’d—”
“I know.But some things are more important.You’remore important.”I curve my lips into a smirk as I lock eyes with her.“But if you don’t want me here, I can go.I—”
“Don’t you dare,” she interrupts, flinging her arms around me.
I inhale a calming breath as I envelope her in my embrace, surrounding myself in her scent.In the feel of her.It’s a double-edged sword, my being here.Allowing myself to hold her like this.
It’ll make me want more of this.
And I can’t have that.Not yet.Not after what happened the last time we were careless.
But like I told her.Some things are more important than the potential risk of getting caught.She doesn’t deserve to be alone right now.
Maybe I don’t want to be alone, either.
Maybe I need her just as much as I’d like to think she needs me.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” she whispers into my chest, running her hands up and down my back.
“I’m glad I’m here, too.”I tip back her chin, my eyes sweeping over her face, fixating on her lips.
The lips I’ve longed to taste since the last time I left this apartment a month ago.
The lips I’ve deprived myself of since then.
The lips I’d give anything to feel now, if for no other reason than to feel something other than the uncertainty plaguing me.
As much as I want to, I can’t bring myself to cross that line.Not here.Not now.Not when I have absolutely no control when it comes to Esme.She’s like a drug.If I allow myself one hit, I’ll keep coming back for more and more until it completely consumes my life.
I refuse to do that when I’m so close to finally having everything I’ve always wanted.
When I’m so close to finally having Esme.
Instead of slamming my mouth to hers and having a hit from my favorite drug, I brush a soft kiss to her forehead, and grab her hand.
“Come on.”
She doesn’t say a word, just allows me to lead her through her apartment to her private suite.Her eyes remain locked on mine as I help her under the covers and sit on the edge of her bed, bending down to kiss her forehead once more.I push a few wayward strands of hair behind her ear, relishing in her soft skin against mine, admiring how damn beautiful she is.
I could watch her all night.I want to.But that’s a recipe for disaster.I’d rationalized coming over here by telling myself I just wanted to make sure Esme was okay, and then I’d go.
But I can’t find the strength to pull myself away from her right now.Not when I still see the fear swirling in her deep green eyes like a tumultuous storm.As if she’s petrified of what she might see when she falls asleep.As if a demon is lurking in the shadows, waiting to attack her in her dreams.
And I know he is.
