A Hunger to Share ( Book One )

chapter 52

Artyom          

Artyom led James to the dance floor.

He came hesitantly, looking nervous. His hand was clammy with cold sweat, and his heart was beating so savagely Artyom was worried it might jump out of his chest.

"We're just going to dance. If you don't want to do it anymore, tell me, and we'll stop." Artyom gave his his hand a reassuring squeeze.

"Their kind of dancing?" James looked at the people who were making out and dry humping in the middle of the dance floor.

"Any kind you want."

"Ok." He murmured, and started moving to the beat of the music, Artyom's hand still in his.

His body was too stiff. He looked like a robot trying to imitate a human.

Artyom put his arms around James's waist which made him stiffen. "Look at me."

It took him a few minutes, but he looked up. His green eyes were filled with doubt, and confusion, but also hungry curiosity.

"Do you want to stop?"

He shook his head, a lock of dark hair falling onto his forehead.

"Are you sure?"

He nodded.

"Take a deep breath. It's dancing, not public speaking."

"I suck at both, so..."

"So do I." Artyom rubbed soothing cicles on his back.

"Impossible." James snorted. "You're like what? Thousand years old? You can't suck at anything."

"Believe me, I suck at a lot of things. I'm only four hundred years old."

"You look pretty good despite your age." The corner of his mouth went up.

"Thanks." Artyom chuckled. "Now that you know we're on the same page, do you feel better?"

"We're not. I'm still scared." He looked away.

"I would never hurt you." Artyom said in a low voice, and brought his right hand up, cupping James's face. "I swear it."

"I know. I'm not scared of that." He looked up again.

"Then what are you scared of?" Artyom brushed his stubbled cheek with his thumb.

"Of fucking this up." James confessed in a small voice. "Every time something good happens in my life I somehow manage to lose it. Maybe there's something wrong with me."

"There is nothing wrong with you." Artyom said with conviction. "you're perfect."

"It's not true."

"It is true."

"You can't know that."

"But I know it."