Secrets of Society

Chapter 4

Seb packed his reading material and a weekender bag to lug to my tiny apartment. We spent the rest of the afternoon reading, writing, and staying cooped up in my tiny space together, intermittently checking the window to see if any other mysterious figures were hanging around.

Long after the sun has set, I snap my laptop shut with a loud sigh, "I can't do this anymore," as I collapse into the couch and turn the TV on.

Seb stretches out with a groan, "Thank god you tapped out first," and he also packs his research material away. "Is it alright if I use your shower?"

I scoff, "You invited yourself here but you need permission for the shower?" Seb rolls his eye as he pulls himself off the floor and grabs a couple clothes from his bag. "Towels are below the sink!" I call after him right before he closes the door.

I continue to periodically check the street from my window, letting the TV melt into background noise. No one has been on the street that I can see or notice, and only a couple people have walked the hall since we've been home. I furrow my brow as I repeat my scan of the street below. It's just the empty quiet of a Sunday night. Sighing and rubbing my eyes, I slump back into the couch. Why did I have to start researching the societies? Why do they find me enough of a threat that they have me followed? Is it just one of them, or multiple? A moan escapes me as my thoughts start racing, right when Seb walks out of my bathroom in just a pair of basketball shorts.

He chuckles, "I didn't know you felt that way about me, Mariel."

I scoff, "I'm lamenting the precarious position I'm in, not fantasizing about you in the shower," my cheeks heat as the thought suddenly hits me as I speak the idea out loud. Seeing my flush, Seb chuckles again as he makes his way over to his bag. I frown in embarrassment at his amusement and plant a throw pillow over my face. I yell in frustration, the sound completely muffled through the pillow. I hear the soft thump of footsteps, then feel the sag of the couch next to me before my head is slowly peeled away from the pillow by strong hands.

Sebastian's face is full of concern and worry. "I know this is stressful. I'm trying my best to keep the mood light, I didn't mean to embarrass you."

I lean my head against his shoulder, smelling my body wash on him and taking a comforting breath. "I appreciate everything you're doing for me right now. You're basically up-ending your life to make sure I'm safe. I can't tell you how much that means to me." My voice slightly cracks as I finish, remembering how alone I am out here without Sebastian. My mother passed when I was young, and my father has always been authoritarian and just completely out of touch. My older sister has been so traumatized by both of them she's off the rails and addicted to drugs; I haven't seen or heard from her in nearly a year, and while I'm scared for her I also can't focus on someone who isn't ready to help themselves. I grab his hand and give it a small squeeze. "Thank you," is all I can manage to get out before a well of emotion opens in my chest. I don't have to do this alone, I remind myself.

Sebastian wraps his arms around me as we sink into the couch. I close my eyes to lean into his bare chest and accept the comfort he's giving. His skin is radiating heat, presumably from the shower. His chest is smooth on my cheek, and the touch of his torso is softer than what I'd assumed but the abs beneath are evident. I absentmindedly caress his side and he stiffens immediately. He instantly responds, "Sorry, I'm ticklish," and tries not to squirm.

I smile mischievously and look up at him, "Ticklish?"

"Ok, if you want to ruin a nice moment, be my guest, but--"

The invitation was all I needed. My hands lunge and grab at his sides, stroking and teasing his skin. Sebastian flails and tries to push me away, but I fold my arms around his middle and latch on, laughing maniacally.

"If this is how I get treated for helping you, I might just have to abandon ship!" Sebastian exclaims as he continues to try to push my arms off him. I'm just holding him, feeling the joy of the surprise tickle attack, and look up again to his face. He's very amused, and a bit annoyed at being startled at my revelation. But there's also something else lingering in his gaze. My cheeks heat again, remembering his comment about fantasizing him in the shower. He wasn't wrong.

Slowly, I straighten up, inching toward his face. I want him and all the comfort he can give. His eyes glow as I get closer, his full lips parting slightly to mirror mine. I tilt my chin upward, inches away from his lips, and whisper, "Please don't abandon me."

His kiss plunges into me, he grabs my head and my ass to keep me steady. His passion and fervor take my breath away, and I gasp as he pummels me with his now-unrestrained intensity. Reeling, I pull back. I want him, I want all the amazing, joyous feelings he's been giving me. I want all his comfort and happiness, even if it's just temporary.

"I can't give you anything. I can't promise you anything," I gasp out.

Seb's eyes are filled with yearning, "I don't need anything from you. Please let me give this to you." He must feel and sense and know my brokenness. And if I'm actually being stalked by some secret society, and potentially on their hit list? I guess I better enjoy the time I have.