In the middle of the night

Chapter 2

The minutes until nightfall passed painfully slow that day. Hours trickled by as if this was the universe's way of punishing her for her decision, making her think about how insane this move was. But as night finally came and she looked out of her window, she was greeted by a comforting sight. The soldier stood there, unmoving, as always. The note was nowhere to be seen. He must have read it already. Now there really was no going back.

Underneath his mask, a sly grin spread on his face. She was walking- no, running directly into his trap. And he loved every second of it. Now it was up to him.

Her heart raced in anticipation; her curiosity peaked as she waited for his next move. But there was no move. Not yet.

He would not give in to her desperation that easily. He wasn't a puppy that would come running as soon as she wanted him. Ghost stood still, leaning against the lamppost. Observing. Waiting. He wouldn't come, she was sure about that as she snuggled up in her bed, falling into a sleep that was anything but restful.

Her mind was filled with images of Ghost, dreaming of his hand holding her face, rough fingers stroking over her cheek. Something about it felt too close; too real to be a dream. She craved that feeling of his hand on her face, his dark eyes looking down at her. When Delilah woke up the next morning, disappointment filled her mind. She had been right. He didn't come, she pushed the game too far and now she'd have to face the consequences. As she turned around in her bed, her eyes landed on a small piece of paper, placed directly on her pillow.

"You look beautiful when you're sleeping."

And it was the truth. She seemed so peaceful when Ghost had looked down on her that night. So innocent. Plump lips parted ever so slightly as she slept. So tempting. The moonlight illuminated the soft exposed skin on her neck as he imagined how his hands would look wrapped around it. So delicate. "Not yet," he thought to himself as he quietly walked back out of her house.

Her breath hitched, thoughts racing in her head. She remembered how real it had all felt. So alive, so close. Like a Ghost he was wandering through her house, looking at her while she was sleeping, touching her. It was wrong, dangerous, but the mere thought of him being so close, of him touching her while she was so vulnerable; it made her body tremble with arousal.

The following night was a stormy one. Rain was falling, every thunder and lightning making Delilah flinch. She was sure that Ghost wouldn't be at his usual spot tonight, only a madman would roam around outside on a night like this.

He could have observed the neighborhood from his car, not bothering with the rain and the cold. But was drawn to her like a moth to a flame. So he stood there, still as ever. Unfazed by the rain falling down on him, soaking his tactical gear. Ghost stood perfectly still as the rain fell and thunder roared in the sky. From time to time, lightning flashed, illuminating his presence in a way that made him look almost ethereal.

Or demonic.

That night, she felt lonelier than ever. The only thing keeping her company was the knowledge that he was still standing outside, watching over her. She kept his notes under her pillow, his scent soothing and exciting at the same time.

The storm was still raging outside, and it was almost like he could feel her loneliness through the walls. He didn't know what it was. Attraction? Pity? No matter what it was, he knew he had to see her.

She was already asleep for a few hours when a drop of water landed on her cheek. It felt real, but she was sure it had to be a dream, another unfulfilled dream of Ghost. But then, she felt something else.

A strong gloved hand wiped away the drop of water. She kept her eyes closed, not wanting this moment to end. Not wanting to wake up, in case it was just another dream. Ghost bent down a little, slowly caressing her cheek.