Kane and Steele

Chapter 8

Kane

Steele, the smug douche bag he is, grimacing the entire time he existed from Jonah's office with his clothes among his hair a disheveled mess; pointing out the obvious. He leaves the restaurant finally after flaunting off what he feels is his achievement. I'm starting to think it's just pity on Aurora's part.

I tell myself that I'm only irritated so much because I care for Aurora's well being, what's best for her. It's not my undeniable attraction that I feel is more than lust that is driving my escalating rage towards Steele, yet deep down, I know I'm lying to myself. I came here just to make sure Aurora was okay and then I would go, but my emotions are already getting the better of me, in ways I didn't know existed when it came to her.

I can't let myself fall for her. That was never part of my plan and if she ever found out who I really was she would only end up hating me. More of a reason why I can never let things get personal between the two of us.

I want to say something defensive, protective, let her know she's making a mistake when he's finally gone. The man has a sick obsession with her that she clearly doesn't see, but I don't want to push her away, draw her too far even though she does seem to know how to handle her own around him. We've just met in her eyes, she's just invited me into her home. She doesn't know I'm well aware of who she is, even though I act like I know nothing about her. If I speak my mind now, then not only will I be homeless, I will have lost leverage. I won't be sleeping feet away from the woman I came here for, I will be pushing myself further away from my goals.

The day went by with Aurora and myself ignoring talking about the occurrence in Jonah's office. Me, for the most part, biting my tongue. When my shift was almost over, I approached Aurora, having her cornered against a wall unexpectedly so I can have her full attention. Her wavy locks running over her shoulders, her natural tanned skin glistening against the bar lights. She's so f*****g beautiful.

I move in closer so we're only inches apart, my attention on her chest, that heaves in and out, nervously fighting for air. I can already see her body is fighting the same attraction I'm struggling with whenever the two of us are so near. I want to just grab her face, press my lips against her and kiss her trembling lips, but I don't. This seems to be an ongoing issue I'm having around her that I need to get under control. I look up, focus my eyes on her radiant ones that sit below her lids, retaining my unjust urges.

"Can I come by in an hour with my things and move in? I don't really have anywhere to go."

It takes Aurora a second to catch her breath. Her eyes quickly wince as her head does a speedy shake to recompose herself," Um..sure...um yea. Call me when you're ready to come by."

"Okay," I nod and then I go to turn, ready to walk away. Temptation is seeping through every morsel of my bones. Maybe my attraction is just lust, maybe it's just guilt, regardless, it's there, so I need to leave after being around Aurora all day. Not that living on her property and working with her regularly is going to help the cause, but that's later, not now. I've already been around her for too long.

"Kane wait," she calls out to me, causing me to halt in my spot. I reposition myself so I'm staring back her way.

I knew coming to this town was going to be a challenge on its own, but I had no idea what a challenge it was going to be being around Aurora. I'm starting to partially understand Steele's twisted infatuation from just the short time I've been acquainted with her. Strong willed and gorgeous, I'm so f****d.

"What's up?" I frivolously ask, shrugging my shoulders. Trying to act like I wasn't feeling the same heat transpiring between us seconds ago that had me ready to run.

"I doubt you have dinner plans for later. I feel bad for Steele being such a d**k to you. I know it's my fault. Once you get some things moved in I want you over for dinner. It's the least I can do."

"I'm fine. Your boyfriend doesn't bother me. I'll just grab something in town. I have to get some things before I come over anyway." I decline her offer. I know it's for the best. I need to keep some distance for both our sakes.

"I told you he isn't my boyfriend!" Aurora grits her teeth, clenching her fists. "I don't like it when people refer to him in that manner with me. What's going on between me and Steele is complicated but we are NOT together, not like that."

I raise my hands up in the air in defeat, "I'm sorry. I won't say it again." I obviously struck a chord, a chord I now know not to strike again.

"Good. Dinner will be ready at 6:00. I expect you to be on time." Authoritatively she commands, her voice a husky demanding tone that tells me I don't get to say no. She emphasizes her assertiveness by pursing her lips tightly shut once the last word leaves her mouth and then walks off until I'm left staring at her perfect fiery ass, a perfect fiery ass I'm going to be forced to sit across from in a few hours eating dinner with when I'm hungering for something much more.