Michael's Story

Chapter 19

The word "overwhelmed" didn't do it justice. Junie tried to take in as much of Michael's place as she could. There was a stone fireplace in the room, and over it was mounted the most giant flatscreen TV that money could buy. A glass coffee table hid a plush-looking area rug. A long, off-white sectional curved around the room and was adorned with matching throw pillows. At the side of the couch, a leather recliner was tucked away.

The aroma that floated across the air was a match to Michael's. Junie's gaze wandered toward Michael as he walked past. Although he was turned away from her, she could still feel his potent energy. Michael obviously felt comfortable enough with her to invite her over to his house.

With Michael by her side, she began to feel the weight of what it meant to be with someone of his caliber. Even though she had known Michael's profession for days, the gravity of it had taken her a while to fully grasp. Maybe it was the fact that his condo was so well furnished. Junie mentally tacked a zero onto his bank account balance for every piece of high-end decor she ogled. What Michael told her about his family was no exaggeration.

Michael discreetly left, leaving Junie alone in the living room. Junie stood with her arms crossed, tapping her foot while she watched the door through which Michael had left. Then, with a swivel, Junie looked back to the foyer as if someone was standing there. She clapped her hands together and waited for Michael to return to the living room.

She stopped tapping her foot and aimed at the couch as her next destination. It was expected that Junie would spend the night at Michael's since no one knew when curfew would be lifted. She sunk into the plush sofa and let her worries go with a deep sigh. Her body relaxed, and her stiff shoulders settled into the pillowy back support.

"I usually sit right there," Michael said, coming back into the room.

Junie peered at him, "I see why."

Michael smirked, walking over to sit next to Junie. Michael scooted in closer to her, Junie's eyes landing in her lap. The bulk of his chest blocked Junie in. She found it hard to breathe steadily with him so close to her. With her eyes elsewhere, she consciously asked herself what she was doing there. Her mind was overrun with Jaya and Elijah-related thoughts and thoughts related to Michael's way of life.

At the rate her heart ran, she felt like she'd just sprinted a mile. Being at home would be better and less pressuring. Whenever Junie lowered her head, Michael had to lift it back up. Then, when he finally made her glance at him, he saw the heaviness in her eyes.

"You okay?" He asked gently.

"I'm... I don't know." Junie responded honestly.

"You can say it. Always say what's on your mind." Michael told her.

Junie glanced at him, "I want to go home."

Michael's mouth twisted to one side. Junie could sense that his words had offended him, but they'd mentioned the word 'truth' so many times it was all she could think of. Then, suddenly, she understood the significance of her words to him.

"I'm just worried about my brother and sister and..."

Michael raised a brow, "And what?"

Michael looked directly into her eyes. Michael was attractive to Junie because he lived up to her expectations. But she couldn't help but speculate on what bizarre circumstance could cause their separation. It was true, at least partly, that Michael took risks with his life. However, even if everything he owned was luxurious, it was unlawful and subject to confiscation at any time.

"You," Junie admitted.

"Me? You're worried about me?" Michael had his finger turned into his chest.

"I am. We're still getting acquainted, but I want something long-lasting, something that's forever. I think the way you live is unpredictable."

"So, you're having doubts?" Michael asked.

"I just don't know how long you plan on doing this," Junie said.

"If I don't do it, then who will?" Michael asked her, "I'm not doing this because I want to or for fun or looks. All the responsibility is mine now. I like you, but this isn't something I can just walk away from."

By maintaining eye contact, Junie could tell Michael was serious. This handsome man in front of her, who seemed so manly and generous, was far more stubborn than anyone had given him credit for. Yet, nothing Junie said could break his iron confidence.

"Is it okay if I shower?" Junie changed the subject, looking away from Michael as she rose. Michael, confused, gazed up at her. He looked for contempt or concern on her face but saw neither. As a person, Junie was a puzzle. She came out as nervous and shy, but once someone said something she disagreed with, she became mysterious.

"Conversation's over just like that?" Michael asked.

"You seem to have your mind made up."

Michael stood up, looking down at her, "I have my mind made up about another thing, too." He caressed her cheek.

Junie stared up at him. He leaned down to her, gently pressing his warm, smooth lips against Junie's. Her body was pressed up against his rippling muscles. In his arms, Junie's eyes blinked closed. There was something there, something more significant and more meaningful than love itself, and Junie felt it etching into her heart.

The kisses were deep and sensual. As Michael's hands dipped lower, Junie ultimately gave up. Michael, engulfed by the intensity and excitement of the moment, kissed her all the way from her mouth to her chin, cheek, and, finally, her neck. Eventually, Junie's eyes opened, and she realized what was happening. Even if she had feelings for Michael, now wasn't appropriate.

"I should shower before it gets late." Junie blurted out while Michael still kissed her neck.

Michael continued kissing her for a while longer before pulling away. His teeth sank into his bottom lip. He let go of Junie as his eyes dipped seductively to her.

"I'll get you something to change into," Michael said.

Festering inside of Michael was the longing for a taste of Junie. Seemingly, nerves held her hostage, bound to the chair of safety and predictability. She needed to be in a safe, structured setting where she could focus solely on following a routine. Michael, however, would be the force that brought down The Walls of Jericho.