Relinquish(65)

“I needed to know that—”

“That what? I was as f*cked-up as you were?” I interrupt. His eyes go wide, and his chest lifts with a heavy breath.

“What is going on out here? Everyone can hear everything you two are saying,” Roman explains, walking outside, Jayden by his side.

“Party’s over,” I clip, pushing past my father. This, right here, between my father and I, couldn’t have made things clearer for me.





CHARLIE


I lie in bed watching rain splatter against the window as light thunder sounds from above. Huh. It’s the first time I’ve seen it rain since I’ve been here.

My eyes become heavy as I watch the streams of rain cascade down the glass, taking me into a deep sleep.

I hear my door click open and shut, waking me somewhat. I lazily look over my shoulder and see a big, black figure walk toward my bed. The smell of freshness and spice consumes me, telling me it’s Landon.

“Landon?” I mumble, half-asleep.

He pulls back the blanket, revealing me in nothing but a skimpy cami and panties.

“What are you doing?” I whisper.

He doesn’t answer me, just swoops his arms under my frame and picks me up, placing me against his bare chest. His skin against mine is hard and warm.

“Where are we going?” I whisper, wrapping my arms around his neck and inhaling a large whiff of his scent.

“My room,” he finally responds. I want to go to Landon’s room, I do, but I can’t. I’m not strong enough to keep up with pretend and reality.

“I can’t, Landon,” I admit, but my words don’t stop him. He strides out of my room and down the hall toward his.

“Landon, I said I can’t,” I repeat, looking at his face. He keeps his stare forward, not giving in to my rejections. “Do you hear me?”

He slowly turns his head, pinning me with those hunted eyes. “I heard you, and I’m not listening.” My mouth gapes open, and my heart stammers.

He opens his door, the sound of Sam Smith’s “Lay Me Down” playing. I look around his room but can’t see anything it’s so dark. I see a balcony, curtains drifting in and out of the room with the storm, and a bed in front of that. With the moon hiding behind thick, thunderous clouds, there isn’t even a glow of moonlight to light the way. He shuts the door, slowly plants me on his bed, and places his hands on each side of my hips, his face level with mine.

“Landon, please. I can’t do this anymore,” I whisper, closing my eyes. The proximity of his large frame is already making me doubt the words leaving my mouth.

“Can’t do what?” he questions, his minty breath brushing against my face.

I open my eyes, seeking his in the dark.

“I can’t pretend.”

Landon hangs his head and lets out a heavy breath. To be his one minute but not the next, I can’t do it. I’m not that strong.

“Landon, what do you fear?” I ask, running my fingers along the scruff of his jaw. His head lifts in my palm and tilts to the side. Not containing my urges anymore, I run my nails through his hair, the feel of it sliding between my fingers making my body come alive.

“What is your biggest fear? What do you fear in life, Landon?” I repeat. He doesn’t respond, just stares at me. I take the opportunity to open myself up a little. I shouldn’t, I know that, but what do I have to lose?

“Mine. My fear…” My bottom lip trembles with nerves for what I’m about to say, what I’m going to admit to. I know if he wants to, he could use it against me. “I’m scared of not feeling the things I feel when I’m with you ever again.”

Landon lifts his hand and grabs the nape of my neck, pulling my forehead to his.

“No more pretending,” he mutters, his voice deep and raw. My breath hitches, and a tight knot forms in my stomach. What I’m feeling right now could be compared to someone who has gone their whole life looking for a cure to some intense sickness… and they just stumbled upon the remedy.

Our lips find each other in the dark, greedily seeking the other’s as he lays me flat on the bed. His eyes hold a raw hunger as he looks upon me sprawled along his bed.

He dips his hand between my legs, his fingertips lazily trailing the inside of my thigh and awakening a dozen nerves.

“Tell me you’re not done.” My eyes lazily open as my fingers grasp his long hair. “Tell me you’re not finished with me, Charlie,” he rasps. His tongue tastes the skin along my inner neck, and my eyes flutter from the incredible sensation. I can hear the hurt in his voice. When I told him I was walking away, it bothered him.

I close my eyes and whisper. “Not done.”

“All in,” he mutters. “Remember?”

I nod and bite my bottom lip. “All in,” I repeat.

“Do you want this? Do you want me?” he questions. I can’t see his face, but I’m sure he has an arrogant smirk curling his lips. He moves his hand toward my apex, causing my body to hum with anticipation. He skids the pad of his finger along my wetness, causing me to bite my lip with the agonizing torture he’s causing.

“Yes!” I moan deeply. I’d agree to anything I’m so wound up.

He slowly slides a finger into my heat, the feeling divine, causing my mouth to gape open as my eyes clench shut. He hooks his finger, caressing the bundle of nerves that make me feel like I just came on the spot. An erotic mewl escapes my mouth, catching me by surprise.