Angel's Fate

dark desire.

I stay in the bathroom a little too long. I make a point of taking down my hair and arranging it a bit. Then I put on a little bit of makeup and lip gloss to add to the effect.

I stare at myself in the mirror. The dress still gives me the same feeling that It did when I had originally tried it on. I feel beautiful. I feel...like a woman. Not the little girl that everyone makes me feel like.

I wonder what James will think? I shake off the thought. He was a grown man. Like way more grown than me. Someone like him wouldn't give me a second glance. With that thought, i pull off a piece of toilet tissue and try to wipe off the makeup in had just applied.

"You okay in there?"

Shit!

"Uh..yeah...I was just having some trouble with the zipper..."

I start wiping at my lips frantically. Trying to get off the gloss. The door handle turns.

I toss the paper into the waste basket and turn to face him.

"Do you need some help...wow."

His eyes rake me from head to toe. I fidget nervously as his gaze rakes hungrily down my body. I can feel my face getting hot.

"It's too much isn't it? I'll return it..."

I push at his chest to try to get him to move from the door frame. He doesn't budge. Instead he looks down at my hand on his chest.

Damn!

"I am so sorry. I was just going to change and you were in here and I need to close the door...."

I am rambling. But my hand is still on him. Get it together, Angel!

"Calm down, killer."

There is humor in his tone. Great! Now he's laughing at me. What the hell is wrong with me? I should have just kept my damned mouth shut and let the crazy old hags plan my princess party. But, nooo...Me and my big mouth weren't having it!

James takes my hand and walks me out into my bedroom. Bringing me to stand in front of a full length mirror. I am still staring at my bare toes. I can't look at him. I know what he thinks. I am making a damned fool of myself.

"Look at yourself."

His is gravely voice commanded. Reluctantly, I do.

Staring dumbly at the little girl in a grown-up outfit. But it was pretty, though.

"How do you feel in this dress?"

I jump a bit in surprise. When did he get so close? He is invading my space and my senses. The scent of his spicy cologne is like heaven. I just want to bury my face in his chest and take him all in...

"This is stupid. I'm going to change."

I try to maneuver around his large frame and make a break for the door. I only make it a few steps. James' muscular forearm snakes around my waist. Pulling me flush against his body. Then he pivots both of us back towards the mirror.

"Look at yourself."

This time I refuse. I won't let anyone seem me cry. Especially not him.

"Why are you doing this?"

"What's wrong, Angel? You are beautiful."

His softly spoken words have me even more confused. He takes it a step further and brushes a kiss on my bare shoulder. Or did I just imagine it? He leans in and in hales deeply into my neck. His hot breath raises gooseflesh on my skin when he exhales slowly. Then I feel his lips behind my ear. That sends a shiver down my entire body. Electricity shoots down that same path. Going straight to my groin. I clench my thighs in response.

I curse under my breath. I can not longer hide the effect he is having on my body. My deepest darkest thoughts surface when the scent of my arousal permeates the air.

James doesn't seem to be affected by it. If anything, the grip he has around my midsection gets a little tighter.

"Look at yourself."

This time I comply. My eyes travel from my bare feet, up my legs, to the hem of my dress, just above my knees. My gaze lingers on my waist where most of my upper body was covered by his large arms. My n*****s were hard beneath the thin fabric. I can't wear a bra with this dress. The fabric splits into two pieces, just below my breasts. The two pieces of fabric travel up my chest and connects to a silver collar around my neck that buttons in the back. My eyes finally meet his. He brushes another kiss on my shoulder. This time o didn't imagine it. I watched him deliberately do it!

"How does the dress make you feel?"

I stare at us in the mirror dumbly as he repeats himself again.

"I feel...grown. I feel beautiful."

"You are."

His lips rain kisses down my shoulder and neck. Working his way up my jaw line. If this is a dream, please don't wake me up...

One of his hands come up to my chin. Moving my head to face him.

"You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen..."

Oh my goddess! It was actually happening! He was going to kiss me!

He leans in to meet my lips. I let out a shuddering breath.

"Angel!"

Why was he yelling?

"Angel! Wake up!"

I am jolted awake when someone shakes me hard.

"Angel, come on! The bell already rang. Were going to be late for history."

Shit!

I gather my belongings and shove them into my bag. My friend Lilah is waiting for me in the hallway.

"Is the beta giving you s**t again? I don't know why you left him get to you, Ang."

"It was that dress I got for the party. I tried it on and I thought he was going to have an aneurysm."

"Did you tell the asshole to go f**k himself?"

"Huh..Yeah right. No I am going to return it after school today."

"There you go again, being an obedient little puppy. Gotta go, girl. Love ya!"

I roll my eyes at her before she turns around to send me some exaggerated air kisses and disappearing into the crowd.