Seduced Fall ✔️

31. Feelings

Clara Carter

While I wait for Stefan to break the quiet, the structure and design of the floored ground appear to be the ideal thing to look at. After the dizziness of mind-blowing sex, Stefan's magnificent revelation that made the climax even more sexier and significant to experience, it's a given that I won't say anything.

Mae, Stefan's messed up family, and today's unwelcome occurrences are all on my mind.

I lean forward a little from Stefan's car, just a little so that I don't radiate nervousness and awkwardness.

"Where's Mae?" I question, hoping to avoid seeing her again soon when I'm talking with her brother about stuff she doesn't want to hear.

He responds, exhaling, "Either with your parents or in your brother's room."

What have Christopher and Mae been discussing with my parents for such a long time?

"Why is Mae. . .?" I stutter, unable to find the right words.

"The way she is?" Stefan fills in the blanks for me.

Stefan's already irritated voice makes me stifle a laugh. "Yeah."

"It's quite difficult to figure out what she's up to. I've been her brother for more than two decades, and believe me when I say, I have no idea who she really is or why she's so vibrant. It appears that your brother knows more about her than I do." he answers.

This is something I had to agree with him on. Christopher is so into this woman. And anyone can tell just by looking at how they interact with one another. You know how much affection and heart-eyes they both have for one other if the only girl I know this badass is tugging on a guy's sleeve to show him his own childhood pictures and is grinning ear-to-ear just to get his attention.

"Anything else you wanna ask?" Stefan asks.

I nod, reluctant and self-conscious, and carefully plan the following question.

"Do you also. . ." I trail off, need to find phrases that will not upset him. "Do you do what Mae does?" Blackmailing, torturing, killing people. 

He understands what I'm saying. He stiffens and exhales quickly before responding.

"Sometimes. Not necessarily, because Mae is in charge of everything."

I lock my gaze on him. I continue to stare without responding.

I suppress the thoughts that won't let me sleep at night and put on a brave face. When Stefan sees me smiling, he relaxes. 

"Clara, you don't have to worry about anything," he admits as he approaches me. "I would never do anything to let you down."

I believe him. The assurance in his voice, the faith he has in himself not to disappoint me, says it all.

I nod once again and change the subject to something that will not cause us to become tense.

"How many girls have you been with?"

That didn't surprise him even a bit because it was a question he had hoped to be asked. He will likely have a response to it as well.

"The number doesn't matter," he says softly as he approaches my jaw with his smooth touch. "I've only been with those with whom I felt a real connection and bond."

"Am I included in that?"

The smile that drove me insane conveys before his words do. "Always."

Knowingly, the discomfort between us moved to its familiar air. Stefan isn't the type of person who can be easily liked or trusted if it weren't for his good looks. But I'm willing to be the first to praise him for his arrogant and blunt personality.