Strictly Forbidden

Strictly Forbidden (13)

Chapter 13

Plane trips are something I’m rather accustomed to, but when not in first class and pushed up against Duke’s arm, it’s a whole new experience. The flight attendant speeds by me again, and she bumps into me again – her elbow hitting my arm. I rub at the red spot knowing it’s going to bruise.

“Here, I’ll switch with you.” Duke says standing up over me.

“Thanks,” I whisper and also stand. My face not even inches from his strong chest. I feel my face flush a pink color as I slide my body against his in order to sit in the other seat.

When we each get settled, I find my iPod and lose myself in the soft music. I’m hardly aware of my fidgeting that is until Duke’s rough hand clasps over mine. I pull the headphones out of each ear and look at him. His eyes dance with amusement and I find myself smiling up at him.

“You know you have nothing to worry about, right? My family is going to love you. I promise.” He doesn’t move his hand and I don’t make a move to take mine away. His touch is oddly reassuring and warm and I can’t help but like it.

“I’m not nervous. Besides, it’s not like I’m your girlfriend. I don’t have to make a good impression.” I joke light-heartedly trying not to let it affect my good mood. He frowns.

He is quiet for the longest time, and his hand squeezes mine almost painfully. “Duke,” I murmur, trying to pull my hand free. “Duke, did I say something wrong?” My hand tugs free and he looks down at me.

“Huh?” He looks as though he has just woken from a dream.

“I asked if I said something wrong.” Hope floats to my heart. I try to push it down, not wanting to wish for the unthinkable. There is simply not any way possible, in this lifetime, that Duke has feelings other than friendship towards me.

A quick shake of the head and his smile is back in place and a soft chuckle puffs out of his mouth, “Course not. I was only thinking.”

I nod, wondering if he would ever tell me something completely honest. “There is something you should know about my brother.” He states as if the sentence is one that should be the opening line to a horror movie. Taking in my shocked face, he smiles and takes my hand, again. “Don’t worry! He’s not some half-assed drug lord from the sticks.” His thumb rubs delicate circles on the top of my hand. I pull away, uncomfortable at the nice feeling that pulses through my veins because of his touch. Lately, my pulse seems to react to him at the slightest of things. I wouldn’t like a heart attack.

“So? What is it?” His gaze stays on my hand for a moment.

“He lost his voice when he was younger.”

“Oh.” I never had been good with words, not unless my father filled my mind with the elegant text that I studied for days before. But what can you say when someone says something like that?

“You don’t have to feel differently about him. He’s still your average guy. You’ll see.” He winks and I turn a fierce red.

We sit in silence for a moment, and I fidget in the thick atmosphere of it – hating it with an utmost passion. Luckily, Duke breaks my discomfort.  “Did you call Benjamin? Does he know where you are?”

“No,” I let it drag out. A strange feeling, as if I was caught breaking the law, swims through my body like a liquid chill.

Duke’s voice rises above the others, “Why not?” I don’t look him in the eyes. How am I to say it’s because I have feelings for him.