Touch (Denazen #1)(41)
“Let’s not talk anymore about Denazen,” I took his hand. “Tell me about the dancing. How did you learn?”
“Something Sue showed me once when I was younger, an old film on the television,” he said, voice thick and drowsy. “I was fascinated with it. The man, Fred, danced a lot. That’s how I learned.”
Old movie? Fred? “Fred Astaire? Is that who you mean? You’re saying you learned to dance from watching a Fred Astaire movie?”
“That sounds right. I watched him twirl that woman across the dance floor, holding her close. He told her he loved her.” He pulled away, looking down at me, those ice blue eyes intense. “I think I understand that now. I think I love you.”
My stomach gave a tiny flutter. Alex. Alex had been the last person—the only person—to say he loved me. Hearing it from Kale, while sending tiny prickles of heat and excitement shooting through my veins, hurt. He couldn’t love me. Not really. He couldn’t know what love was. Not from watching a movie.
“I know you might think that’s how you feel, but I’m not sure it’s possible. Not yet. It’s too soon. Plus, other than the fact that I’m the only girl you know, I’m also the only living thing you can touch. That’s gotta mess with your head. I know you feel something for me, but I don’t think you love me. Not really.”
You’d expect a guy to get annoyed after a speech like that, but not Kale. He only shook his head, expression one of pure resolve. “I don’t understand how things work out here. I don’t understand people and why they do the things they do. I don’t even think I have a clear understanding of right and wrong, but I’m not completely in the dark. I can tell the difference. I like Alex, even though something inside”—he thumped his chest twice—“tells me there’s a reason I shouldn’t. But thinking of him doing what you’re about to do doesn’t fill me with fear. It doesn’t make me sick.”
He leaned back, his lips twisting into a scowl. “When I think of you going to Denazen, my head feels funny. My chest hurts. It’s almost like I can’t breathe right. When I think of them doing to you any of the things they did to me, I want to scream.” He reached out, tilting my face up so I was looking at him. “I don’t feel that way about Alex. I never even felt that way about Sue. If I had the ability to touch anyone else in this world, I still don’t believe I’d want it to be anyone but you.”
“Kale, I—”
His hand clamped down over my mouth and his eyes went wide. Without a word, he darted off the bed and out the window in three fluid steps. Ninja. The guy was a ninja! I stumbled from the bed in time to see him race across the lawn, shirtless. Moments later, the doorknob jiggled, and Dad was yelling for me to let him in.
My fingers grabbed the first shirt they touched—the one Kale had been wearing—and I stumbled to the door. “What the heck is all the—” Unceremoniously shoved aside, Dad and two suit-wearing Denazen monkeys pushed their way into my room. “Um, is there a reason you’re allowed to bring guys into my room, but I can’t?”
“98 was spotted in the area a short time ago.” He turned to me. “Haven’t I told you not to lock that door?”
I narrowed my eyes and put my hands on my hips. “And haven’t I told you I have no intention of leaving it open?” I gestured to the two men with him. “Seriously not going to change my policy if you’re planning on dragging strange men through the house in the middle of the night.”
“No one’s been in here?” one of them asked.
“Actually I’m hiding the football team in my closet, so if you don’t mind, I’d like to get back to it.”
The man watched me, wide-eyed.
“As in, no, now get out of my room.”
The other man stepped up to my closet and yanked open the door. Jesus, did he think I was serious? He bent forward, moving some of the hangers to the side in quick, jerky motions. Satisfied I was alone, they made their way to the door. Dad stopped at the edge and turned. “Get some sleep. Tomorrow’s going to be a long day.”
§
Morning came way too fast. After I’d gotten rid of Dad and his flunkies, it had been impossible to get back to sleep. I kept waiting for Kale to come back, but he never did. Probably just as well. Knowing Dad, he’d probably had the house watched.
I showered and dressed, dragging the comb through my hair as I made my way down the stairs. As usual, Dad sat at the table with his coffee and paper. I held my arms out and twirled. “Is this okay?” I had on my favorite black shark bite tank and a brand new pair of skinny jeans. On my arms were the black leather cuff bands I knew he hated.
Dad saw me and stood, clearing his throat. “I’m afraid there’s been a slight change in today’s plans. I’m sure you’ll understand.”
“Understand what?” I turned to the coffeepot and poured the rest of the off-limits liquid into my Mickey Mouse mug.
“You’ll start at Denazen tomorrow. Today is going to be a bit hectic.”
I flopped down into the seat he’d abandoned. “Oh? Why, wrestle in a new big bad?”
“They caught 98 last night,” he said, watching me. “About a block away from here.”
My mouth was dry. The Sahara had nothing on me at that moment. A test. Maybe it was a test. Maybe Dad wanted to see if what I’d said about wanting Kale to pay was true.