Unraveling Eden ✔ [ONC 2021]

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Twelve

Ethan paced back and forth, his footsteps shaking the floor. He gazed at me every few seconds, his emotions on full display. His forehead was creased and his bloodshot eyes were glossy with tears. I knew how awful I would have felt if our positions were reversed and it was him who was sick. Just thinking about it made my chest ache and it was only hypothetical. I couldn't imagine how Ethan was feeling right now, but I just wanted to take him in my arms and tell him everything was going to be okay. Unfortunately, I just didn't know if that was the truth.

Still, I jumped up off his bed and threw myself into his arms. His body tensed, surprised at my sudden actions, but he quickly relaxed under me and let out a puff of air. I tugged at his shirt and wrapped it in my fists in an attempt to be closer to him if that was even physically possible. "I love you..." I whispered against his ear as his arms snaked against my waist and his head collapsed on my shoulder. Our essence molded into one as we were engulfed in each other's warmth.

This was where I wanted to be forever. Right here with Ethan. I didn't need anything else, not even the outside world. Screw my parents and their sick way of thinking.

After a few moments, he pushed me back and laid a hand on each of my cheeks."I love you too, baby. Please you got to live. You have to get better. If not for you then for me, do it for me."

"I'll try, I promise," I muttered under my breath.

His arms fell to his sides with a thud and he exhaled, collecting his jacket and car keys. "I should get you back to the hospital."

I placed my hand on his bicep, slowing him. "Can we just forget about everything for tonight? Ever since we met, it feels like we haven't had any time to just...be. There's always been something. The dreams, now the hospital, and my parents. I just want to be you and me for tonight. Can we do that? Please."

His tongue grazed his lips as he thought about my request. "You know I want to, it's just...you're sick, Eden. What if something happens? The hospital seems like the safest place."

His gaze fell to the floor and I lifted my hand, putting my palm on his cheek. I stroked the back of his neck and leaned down so I could look him in the eyes. "Hey, nothing's going to happen, at least not tonight. One night isn't going to change anything. I just want to spend the night with you with no worries."

"Are you sure?" he wondered, out loud and I nodded. "Okay, just for the night though and then I'm taking you back."

"Thank you," I cooed and pressed my lips to his. This kiss was different from the rest. The sweet nature seemed to quickly fade away and turn to raw passion. I lusted for him, his body. And I knew he felt the same. Maybe it was the newly discovered illness that created a sense of urgency between us, or maybe we just knew we were ready to take the next step in our relationship.

His demeanor changed as I deepened the kiss, letting my tongue dance inside his mouth. His whole body seemed to perk up. The sadness left us both and now we were standing tall. His muscles flexed as he held me and littered kisses down my neck. Instead of supporting him like I had been moments before, he was now in control.

Ethan's hands slipped under my shirt, massaging my sides. His touch left a tingling sensation as he pressed me against the wall, rubbing himself against me in a rocking motion.

"Ethan, I want you," I mumbled against his lips.

His head snapped up and his eyes locked with mine, wide. "Hmm?"