Fallen

8 - alone together

I slept alone that night. Atticus didn't fight me on in, instead deciding to trade off with me when the morning hours came. His bloodshot eyes regarded me with something akin to longing as he trudged past me to ascend the stairs. My heart clenched begging me to act, my body equally eager to comfort him. My resolve stayed strong through the remainder of the day as I took note of the demon's shortening fuse; his hunger beginning to rule him.

We continued to dance around each other, finding a semblance of routine in sharing sporadic meals and sitting in relaxed meditation together. I had put a stop to anything more advanced knowing the risks would be exponential with my blood tainted.

Atticus mostly kept to himself outside of those times, writing at his desk upstairs or sulking with a drink in hand. In fact, he had begun supplementing so heavily that, before night fell on the third day without feeding, his decanter ran dry.

He sat in his usual spot, gripping a glass that had been empty for over an hour. He was in another staring contest with our 'pet.' It had been hanging around more and more and though I couldn't actually do anything about it, I was always aware of its presence.

I tended to the fire, adding a log that crackled in a delightful way as it caught flame. Satisfied with the state of things, I turned to see blue eyes watching me, his begging stare boring into me. I looked deeply, searching within myself for any indication of his pull. I did so about twice a day. This was the first instance where I couldn't feel him.

Moving slowly towards him, I saw his eyes glisten. He was so hopeful, he looked as if he might cry.

"You broke my trust in you," I said, taking the glassware from his grip and depositing it on the tray. "But I am prepared to forgive you." My words were soft in contrast to the tension emitting from him. His grip had shifted to the arms of the recliner, seemingly helping to hold himself in place.

I remembered the ferocity of our first encounter and realized this was an opportunity.

"The rules have changed," I said, moving around the oversized chair. Pressing into the back of the cushioned surface, I reached my arm around to place my wrist level with his face.

Without further prompt, I felt both of the demon's hands come up to grasp my offered appendage, his teeth sinking in greedily. My head felt clearer without the pain or the lust, making me more aware of Atticus and his needs.

He was like a starving beast; messy and noisy as he fed from me. Using my free hand, I gently ran my fingers through his hair. At the connection, he jumped, as if he had forgotten I was there. His assault slowed slightly and became more reverent. After another minute, I tentatively pulled on my arm but found that his grip was still holding fast. He hummed into my flesh as his tongue began cleaning up the stained skin of my hand and forearm. After making such a mess of both of us, I let him work his way from my elbow to my palm before tugging at his grip again.

"Atticus," I said, my tone hinting at a warning.

His tongue searched in between my fingers before pulling a digit in completely. A shudder ran through me and I felt lips curl up contentedly as he kissed my palm before releasing me. "Just making sure I still had it," he said, leaning back against the headrest.

I rounded the chair so I could face him. Eyes closed, a satisfied smile greeted me. "And what is that?" I asked.

"The ability to turn you on." His eyes flashed open, taking me in hungrily. "I really missed touching you," he said, desire evolving.

Even without his blood, even after betraying me, his touch had elicited pleasurable sensations. I couldn't deny it and he knew I wouldn't, so I said nothing.