Obsession.

Chapter 27 ~ A Phrase of our Past

When I was living alone, I used to make the habit of touching myself before bed. I mean, nobody knows you better than yourself, right? However, now that I have four guys as roommates it's not the first thing that crosses my mind. I've been avoiding it for months, but not tonight. I finally let myself feel good tonight. Thankfully I know how to keep quiet, unlike when Valen is with me. That man just creates a new note every time we're together.

I hear my door open and close. I already know it's Valen because he did it so casually. It's like I finished with myself just in time. He crawls into bed behind me and takes his spot as big spoon. I wish he was shirtless, but I know how he likes to sleep in hoodies.

"Is everything okay?" I softly ask him.

He stays silent and just holds me tighter.

"Talk to me sweetie..."

"Sweetie..." He says under his breath, mocking it. I can tell that made him grin.

"What's wrong?" I ask him again.

"I don't know. I'm just a little scared I think."

"Valen... scared?" I joke.

"Yeah yeah. I just needed you. Now I'm ok." He says, kissing my ear.

"What are you scared about?"

"Whatever the hell is going to happen on Saturday. I've been trying to pay some of the people organizing it, hoping they will give me at least some info, but none will take the damn bribe."

"Valen, I would be shocked if he makes a move in front of every major player in the city, as well the three little assassins he cursed himself with."

"Ha ha. You got jokes Mileva."

"Hey, I take pride in that."

He chuckles and kisses the back of my head. We lay in each other's company, listening to our heartbeats and calm breaths. I close my eyes to start sleeping, but the last thing I would've ever expected stops me.

"I think I love you..." He says quietly.

My heart skips a beat.

"What?" I ask, turning around to face him. He looks like he's unsure about it, but then the corners of his mouth raise.

"You- you love me?" I stammer.

"Yeah... I do." He says like he's convincing himself.

"I love you too." I smile.

He gently kisses me before I lay back down, facing my window again.

"Why's that so hard for us to say? I know we've been thinking it for a long time." He states.

"I haven't said those words for two years."

He chuckles, "Four here."

Wow. Not the best thing to have in common.

"I do love you though. It feels right saying it."

"It does, you're right." I smile, but he can't see that.

He kisses from the top of my head all the way down to my shoulder. I'd turn around and do the same if I wasn't enjoying his embrace so much.

"Let's get some sleep. We have a lot to do tomorrow."

"Ugh, tell me about it." I scoff.

He squeezes my hand just before I shut my eyes. We both keep quiet trying to get some sleep. It's cute how he keeps caressing my fingers like they're intriguing him. I didn't know I was that fascinating.