⚠️ Trigger Warning: This chapter contains themes of trauma, emotional abuse, and a scene involving near-violence and intense emotional intimacy. Reader discretion is advised.
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I wrapped arms around him tightly, knuckles reddened as my sobs echoed on his bare chest. Gently fingers stroke through my hair, rubbing my scalp.
"Shh, it's alright. I'm here now." His calm voice soothing over my mind as I tremble in tears, burried in his arms. My fingers twitch as something hit me in the back of my mind.
Looking out the window, staring at the branches. They're slightly wavering through the wind. Only dancing, never breaking.
Faint voices outside the door were audible, screaming at each other.
I smiled and focused on the trees outside the window, gently swaying to the rhythm of the wind.
'What is it like to be a tree?' My thoughts wandered as I picked up the comb beside me, brushing my medium-length hair. Voices outside were still audible but right now...
I don't want to be bothered.
'Slam!'
I wish that I can want to be unbothered.
His voice echoed, barging in the room. "You're always like this! You stupid piece of—"
"Sorry! Haven't I apologized for my mistake? It was just a simple chore and I'm not the only person in this damn house!" She screamed in anger, footsteps were heard all over.
"It is a simple damn chore—yet, why couldn't you do it, Eloisa?!" He raised his voice, echoing across the room. I found myself looking at them.
My fingers trembled as my heart raced faster.
"I did everything I can! I woke up early in the morning, cooked your favorite meals!" She panted heavily, looking at him with those weary eyes. "I almost burnt a finger while preparing!" her voice broke.
So did my heart.
Dad pointed at mom, while she clinged to his arm—forcing reconciliation despite of her anger. Her lips quivered and her eyes tiredly looked over his glare.
"Mom, Dad, please!" I stood up from the bed. "S-stop! Stop fighting, please!" My voice shakily made both of their heads turn to me.
They paused. My shoulders died down the tension it was holding earlier.
I let out a breath. Maybe they'll listen to me—
"Well tell your mother! Couldn't she make sure the kitchen is clean?!" He continued, voice raising and made my lids twitch.
His slippers clacked on the floor, "Fuck, those damn bugs almost got in." Dad glared at mom once again.
"That's why you couldn't get a life. Even in the simplest things you couldn't even do it!" He scolded once more, but my world fell apart when I saw her staring at the floor...
While he was screaming at her face.
My fists clenched as tears swell down my cheeks.
"Yes, it's simple! Then why are you scolding her as if she killed a man?! Mom just couldn't always watch everything in this house!"
I screamed as my eyes shut tightly. Fists clenched as nails dug deeply on my skin—
"L-Lia—" My eyes widened as I saw the man in front of me. My hands were wrapped around his throat, choking him.
I quickly released his neck and he panted heavily, chest rising and falling. "I-I'm sorry...Alexander....I didn't mean to..."
Frozen in my position, I looked at the floor. My breath shakily stilled as I bit my lip. Fingers trembling and knees shaking, dawning the possible action that I just did.
I could've murdered him.
I could've murdered him while he was there to comfort me.
I gripped my hair tightly, he looked at me with half lidded eyes and mouth parted. He gasped for air, caressing his neck.
Tears swell up my vision, making him blurry. I felt my lips tremble, horrified of myself.
"Shit, I'm a monster." I mumbled and bit my lip once again, slightly tasting a metallic taste of blood. I stood up quickly and walked to the kitchen.
I grabbed the water jug beside the refrigerator and poured a glass for Alexander. My hands shook as I held the glass walking towards him.
"H-here...I'm sorry—"
"Fuck." He hissed and I flinched. Alex looked at me sharply, brows furrowed with a frown. I froze in my position, heart beating loudly.
He hadn't look at me like that before.
"A-alex—"
"Haa..." He rubbed his face, "D-don't ever...do that again..." Alex mumbled, inhaling sharply.
My eyes shakily scanned his state, reddened ears down to his neck. I gulped and moved closer to him, "I'm....really sorry...I didn't mean to harm you—"
I noticed the bulge on his pants. It was thick and long. I inhaled sharply and looked up to his face.
He was already staring at me.
"Mhm....so don't try to murder me that way." Alex chuckled darkly, his deep voice filled the room. He crawled slowly, moving towards me.
"Cause it doesn't threaten me." He looked at me darkly, like a hunter catching its prey. "It just made me..." He trailed off and let out a breath, gaze fixed on mine.
"W-wait, you stay away!" I raised my voice but he just raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
I blinked twice, "I might kill you, dumbass!"
His breath ghosted my cheek. Alex crawled closer, the space between our faces made me gulp.
"W-what are you..." I hovered my arms and feet backwards, avoiding contact with his bare chest. I flinched as his thumb slowly caressed my cheek.
"Cute." He smirked and I felt a sudden heat rise on my face.
My face contorted, brows furrowing at him. "The heck—"
"I wanna kiss you..." His eyes lingered down my lips, up to my nose. Then slowly met mine. "A-alex you should walk awa—"
"I don't...want to." his tone soft but firm. "I don't want to stay away from you." Eyes turning soft, looking at me with shaky pants.
"Can I?" Alex asked, voice trembling as his eyes fixed on mine in a half-lidded gaze. Those hazel orbs staring at mine under his soft lashes. His pupils evidently dilating. "Can I kiss you?"
I gulped. My breath hitched as my eyes fixed on his intense stare.
I should push him away.
He hovered closer as I stilled in my position. "Please?" Alex whispered in my ear, sending a shiver on my spine.
But I didn't.
"Ngh—" My eyes widened and covered my mouth. That sound that suddenly came out of me.
I wanted it. I wanted him.
Alex chuckled deeply, rumbling against his chest as he pulled back slightly to look at my face again.
A hand slowly crawled on my waist to my back, pulling me closer to him. "Leo," He called out my name in a whisper. "Mmm..." My eyes widened as he mumbled deeply in my ear.
My heart thunders, breath catching in my throat. Before I can say anything, his lips trail down my neck—soft, teasing, making me shiver.
Just as I'm about to melt into him, his hand tightens on my waist, pulling me impossibly closer.
His voice drops to a whisper, "Can I...fuck you?"
I didn't speak, but I leaned in. My body answered for me.
I wanted him—every inch of him.
His lips find mine, slow and demanding, setting my whole body ablaze.
He pulled away, fingers hovering my arm down to my hand. Alex held it and brought my knuckles near his lips. "You can slap or punch me...if it's too much."
I inhaled sharply, those hazel eyes darkening with restrained desire—a gentle blaze waiting for me despite the emerging flame. His lids were heavy, looking up at me.
His lips parted as he panted softly. "I'll stop if you want. Just say the word."
But I didn't.
To be continued...