THIRTEEN: TOO CLOSE TO DENY
331 Words
This time, it's not rough. Ember tensed instinctively, but the movement sent a sharp wave of pain through her, and her resistance faltered.
“…Don’t drop me,” she muttered.
His hold tightened slightly. "I won’t.”
Back in the cave, the storm still raged outside. Inside. The tension was worse.
Bright gently set her down, his hands lingering for a moment longer than necessary before he abruptly withdrew.
“Your leg’s injured,” he said. “You’re not moving for a few days.”
“I don’t have time for that.”
“You don’t have a choice.”
She tried to stand anyway. Pain dropped her instantly and a sharp breath escaped her.
Bright was there again.. catching her before she hit the ground. Always catching her.
“Stop doing that,” she muttered.
“Then stop falling.”
Their faces were inches apart. Breath mingling.
Heat cutting through the cold.
“Let go,” she said.
“No.”
Not even hesitation. Her pulse betrayed her again.
“I said..."
“I heard you.”
His grip is tightened, grounding and possessive.
The air shifted again, that same pull. Stronger and darker now.
“Why do you care?” she asked quietly.
The question hit deeper this time. Because now, it mattered.
Bright didn’t answer right away. His gaze searched hers. Like he was looking for something, or fighting something.
“I don’t,” he said finally.
A lie. They both felt it.
Ember’s lips parted slightly.
“Liar.”
The word was soft. Barely there. But it shattered something fragile between them.
Bright’s control snapped. Right before their lips touched. Close enough to feel her breath.
Close enough to lose it. His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper.
“You don’t know what you’re asking for.”
Her answer came just as quietly.
“Then show me.”
The silences fell heavy.
Then he pulled back like he’d been burned.
“Not like this,” he muttered.
- Writer
