Temptation (NEW)

Chapter Thirty-Two

Where do I go from here? Do I whisk him away? Do I dive head-first into his new life? I didn't really think this far ahead—but when do I ever? We just stood there with his face in my hands and our eyes locked. Our breaths were uneven from adrenaline pumping through our veins. I know for a fact that the road ahead won't be easy. I'm going to go through hell for him and it's starting now.

I watched his eyes drift off to the side and look beyond me. Panic struck him. One quick shove and we were steps apart. I had no time to analyze the situation. I could hear a car door shut and footsteps approaching us. Sasuke's face hardened at the sight of whoever it was. I waited for the mysterious figure to step into the light. Slender, tall, and a walk of confidence. The person was clearly important enough to get a rise out of Sasuke.

"I figured you'd be home by now, Sasuke," the mystery man spoke once in earshot from us.

He stepped closer and closer. His features were finally becoming readable. I swear I've seen this face before. It sent a kind of nervousness into my body that I just know I've felt before.

"Doing inventory with Karin and Suigetsu always takes a long time when they're together," Sasuke replied with barely any emotion in his voice.

The man gave a deep chuckle. He was in our space now. I held my breath in his presence.

"Is this a friend of yours?" He was looking directly at me now. His snakelike eyes were burning holes through me. Was he intimidated? Was he jealous? I could sense a bit of territorial inclinations in his voice.

I don't know what I expected from Sasuke. Maybe I kind of hoped he'd at least say I was an old friend. Anything would have been better than being deemed a stranger.

"He was just asking for directions," Sasuke quickly answered. "We were both on our way out."

It was obvious that Sasuke's answer didn't sit right with him. He had a cocky grin as if he knew the truth. Those devilish eyes continued to study me, watching to see if I'd crack under the pressure. I did my best not to falter, keeping my face neutral. If I had stood a second longer, then maybe I would have crumbled completely. By the grace of God, I was able to move and walk away. I didn't look back at Sasuke to get some sort of silent confirmation from him. That seemed far too risky. I got in my car and just left without knowing a thing.

However, about halfway through my drive home, I remembered where I had seen that face. He worked closely with my boss. I'm pretty sure he owned the business entirely, too. The man was feared by everyone in the office. His presence makes alone everyone stand a little straighter. How the hell does he know Sasuke?

...

I woke up to the ear-shattering sound of my phone's ringtone the next morning. Having the iconic My Humps by the Black Eyed Peas as your ringtone is less funny when it's waking you up bright and early. I didn't even bother to look at the name and just answered with the most bitter tone in my voice.

"Did I wake you?"

My heart was in my throat. Everything from last night hit me in waves. Hearing his voice made everything better. I wasn't even sure he'd call when I left last night. I figured he'd back out of everything he said.

"No, I needed to wake up anyways." That was a lie. I intended on sleeping till about 12PM, but I'd wake up anytime for him.

"I was hoping we could talk," he continued, his voice low and sad. That terrified me a little.

I raised up from my bed, too antsy to lay down.

"You can come to my apartment if you want," I offered. "I live in the apartments across from the mall. Unit 701."

"I'll be there in 30."

God, I haven't been this nervous in a long time. Frantic cleaning wasn't even helping to distract me, either. My whole body shivered with anxiety. Would this be the end? Will we live happily ever after? I know he loves me, but is it enough? The questions ran through my mind and different scenarios panned out.

Once I heard a gentle knock at my door, I braced myself for the reality of what was to come. He looked just as tired as he did last night. He wore a black hoodie and jeans that seemed baggy on him. His dark eyes brightened up a bit once they met mine. I felt immensely better once I saw his lips curl into a slight smile. We didn't exchange much more than a hello when I stepped aside for him to walk in. Within seconds, all of my doubts were washed away. His whole weight had me pinned against my door, happily trapped beneath him. His lips felt the same and tasted just as sweet.

I wrapped my arms around him, feeling all of the parts I had missed. It was impossible not to notice how much smaller he was. Worry wasn't allowed to linger once his own hand slipped in between us. He was working fast. I was growing quickly in the palm of his hand and all of my thoughts were becoming hazy. I had forgotten how love-drunk he made me feel.

Sasuke took a short break to speak. "I've missed this."

I opened my mouth to reply but a breathless moan slipped out instead. His hand had wiggled underneath the elastic band of my sweats and he had me under his whim. I wasn't used to him taking control like this. Normally it was I that would dominate. As much as I liked it, something felt off.

"I thought you wanted to talk," I managed to choke out once his lips were occupied on my neck.

His kisses trailed up to below my ear and then he broke away. "Do you really want to stop this?"

If I were thinking with my dick, I'd say no. Honestly, it was extremely tempting to say no. It's been a long time since I had been with someone. However, I didn't want things to go awry. We used to use our bodies as form of communication last time and things didn't turn out well. I needed to know what was on his mind.

"Seriously, we should talk first," I told him with a little more assertiveness.

A glimpse of the old Sasuke shined through. He backed away with a grimace on his face. I almost felt guilty for upsetting him.

"What has happened to you?" I blurted out. I didn't mean for it to come out so harshly. It was just the first thing on my mind. "You're not acting like yourself."

He only seemed to get more angry. "It's been over a year. Do you really expect me to be the same?"

"Of course not!" I defensively answered. "But it would be nice to understand why!"

The universe has such impeccable timing. My Humps blared in my pocket, making the tension in the air worse. I scrambled to get my phone to shut off the most embarrassing choice I've ever made, but I froze once I saw the name on my screen. Somehow I had forgotten about the plans I had made earlier in the week. I was supposed to catch brunch with Sakura and Ino today and Sakura was calling to confirm the plans. Obviously, Sasuke has no clue that I've become buddies with his ex. And Sakura has no idea that I'm rekindling the same romance that ruined hers. It's times like this when I wish Shikamaru were here so he could give me solutions to my problems.

Life continues to be a pain in the ass.