Adi
My eyes remained locked on the water droplets racing down the window of my mother's car.
After my encounter with Gage, I insisted that my mother and I leave as soon as possible. She complied without hesitation, in fact she almost looked scared.
I let my mind wander, trying to find answers to all of my questions.
Why was Elliot going to ask me to be his mate?
Who is Gage?
What did he mean when he said it "hurt him" to be away from me?
Have I met him before?
I don't think I have ever felt more confused.
I ripped my gaze from the liquid and focused on my mom. She had a firm grip on the steering wheel, knuckles pale from her force. Her jaw remained clenched, and a vain stuck out from her neck. I knew something was bothering her, and usually, I could tell what was wrong just by studying her. This time, however, she has me confused.
"Mom?"
"What." She deadpanned, throwing ice behind her words.
"What's wrong?" I asked, trying to grab her stare with mine.
She breathed out heavily, her shoulder's dropping in time with her exhale.
"Nothing, don't worry about it, Adi."
She returned to the road, her demeanor unfaltering.
I pushed my earbuds in, attempting to drown out the elephant in the car.
"Chilling with my n words, say it like a white kid."
.
.
.
My ceiling was incredibly interesting today. I never noticed how white it is, literally. No imperfections. No holes, no marks, virtually perfect.
Yeah, I'm bored.
I was wandering constantly towards the idea of Gage.
He looked so rough, so intense. There is no way he was meant for me.
He was playing me, it was a prank.
Definitely.
tap tap
tap tap
I rolled off of my bed, bracing myself against the wall.
tap tap
There it was again.
I looked through my window, instantly making eye contact with deep chocolate irises.
Gage.
He mouthed something incomprehensible, his finger pointing towards the window lock.
Against my better judgment, I slowly walked to the window and released the latch, allowing myself to become vulnerable.
He slid beneath the panes of glass so smoothly, landing on the ground softly before standing erect.
A heavy breath tumbled from his lips before his eyes met mine.
"Hi." He breathed, locking gazes with mine.
"Hello." I replied, holding his glare.
I backed away, leaving him there to stare at me. I sat on my bed, crossing my legs beneath mine.
He slowly walked towards me before mimicking my position beside me.
"So, do I have explaining to do, or can I kiss you now?"
"Excuse me?"
"Sorry, er- I meant I have explaining to do."
"Damn right you do." I whispered under my breath, but he seemed to hear my remark.
"I do. I'm sorry for sneaking up on you earlier. I didn't know how else to approach you. It's just that I've been waiting for an opportunity. I've seen you, you've walked past me so many times, without acknowledging me. It hurt so much. It ached more than you can imagine. This is my relief."
He raised his arm and wrapped it around my shoulder, snaking his other around my waist before engulfing me in a hug.
I mirrored his approach, slowly wrapping my arms around him as well.
His face rested on top of my head due to his difference in height. He brought his mouth level to my forehead before placing a chaste kiss upon the skin.
"Adi, do you feel that spark when we touch?"
It was true; the flames that licked across my skin when he hugged me were simply undeniable.
"Yes, I do. They feel.. good."
I looked to him for reassurance, and he returned my gaze with a smile.
"They feel amazing for me. I can't help but want more and more." He spoke softly, dragging his index finger up my forearm. He ran all the way up to my collarbones, tracing the dips between them before placing a kiss on the hollow of my throat.
His lips softly trailed up my neck; not hungrily, but gentle. He kissed the soft skin beneath my earlobe before bringing his lips to my nose, and the corners of my mouth. He backed away a few inches before looking to my eyes, then my lips. He seemed to be asking permission.
I leaned forward, hovering his over mine. His breaths fanned over my skin, raising goosebumps. He looked to me one more time before leaning in. His lips brushed mine, and a fire lit on my mouth. The heat burned on the surface, and I could feel it in the pit of my stomach.
I leaned in for more, wanting the feeling to return. Just as I brought my lips to his, a loud knock echoed through my room.
"Adi?"
His smooth voice flowed to my ears. Elliot was standing outside my door, and Gage was sitting on my bed.
He brought a finger to my lips before removing it. He slowly retracted from my bed and dashed out the window without saying goodbye.