Forbidden Flames

Chapter Fourteen

"Dude, you're soaking wet," Roland stated as I walked inside his room.

I was breathing heavily as I tore off my clothes. My heart was beating faster than it usually does.

"Can you not drip water all over my carpet? My mother will beat us both," Roland stated, resting in his bed.

"I think I'm sick," I said, now only in my trousers.

"Were you out rolling in the snow? Maybe that's why you're sick," he answered, but no, that wasn't it.

My head was racing with memories of Lilith's hands on my face. They were so soft... so delicate. These are not thoughts I should have for Colette's best friend.

"Can we go out? To the pub tonight?" I asked, walking into his closet to grab some clothes.

I stared at myself in the mirror, touching the spots she touched. What was wrong with me? These feelings had to stop.

Roland walked inside the bathroom and leaned against the door, watching me. "Are you going to tell me what's going on? You haven't requested to go to the pub in years," he said.

I sighed, knowing there was nothing I could hide from Roland. He was truly an annoying brother that was always by my side.

"It's just been a while. I want to get back in the game," I said, throwing cold water on my face.

"Ahhh, I assumed you were yearning for Lilith again," he said, catching me off guard.

"That was one time, Roland, and I swore it would never happen again," I cursed, seeing him smirk at the way his words affected me.

"I'm only joking. She was 16 years old. I never judged you for having eyes on her... you've always been extra sweet towards her anyways," he teased.

I picked up a towel to throw at his face. "Can you shut up and get dressed?" I shouted as he retreated back to his bed.

The other annoying thing about Roland was all the things he knew about me. That day I confessed I found Lilith attractive; he ran with it and made a dramatic scene. It was only a small feeling, something I knew could never grow. If she ever found out about my family, she'd run. The life I live is already unsafe. Adding people into it only creates a death sentence.

Getting dressed, I found Roland ready for dinner. We both left his room, heading down to the dining room where his parents were seated. I was expecting my mother to be here as well, but her seat was vacant.

"Uncle, did my mother leave?" I asked, looking around.

"Your father needed her home," my aunt lightly said as my uncle stayed quiet. I know he wasn't a fan of my father, and it was understandable. Often times I wonder how my mother has stayed with my father this long... how she forgave him for all the things he's done to others.

"She wants you to come home soon though. They both miss you, August," my aunt added as Roland and I sat down.

I considered it, but there was still much to finish here. I wasn't even supposed to be staying as long as I have, but Roland and I needed a place to lay low.

"I will," I told her, knowing it was a lie.

The door opened, and Colette walked in, smiling. "Family, lovely to see you all," she cheered, taking her seat beside Roland.

Behind her, Cassian and Lilith walked in, whispering among each other. They both sat on the opposite side of the table, facing me.

My aunt wanted her son next to her, leaving Lilith to sit directly across from me. My eyes couldn't seem to leave hers as I observed her face. She changed into a lavender gown that held her chest right, and she let her hair down. The once straight bun was now curly.

"Lilith, we're glad to have you tonight. Are you sleeping over?" my mother asked.

"I am," she smiled.

"Mama, did the baker get back to you about my cake for the wedding?" Colette asked, earning a groan from everybody.

"Why are you all groaning?" she asked in a snappy tone.

"Colette, some of us are tired of hearing about this wedding. It's not for another two months. Can we have peace tonight?" Roland expressed, causing Cassian to laugh.

"I've missed you both so much," he said, drinking his soup.

I watched Lilith eat as she stayed quiet, watching the siblings bicker. My uncle looked as if his veins were going to pop from their loud voices.

"Can we never have a normal dinner?" my aunt asked.

"How about we talk about our days?" Roland smirked, nudging my shoulder.

"Splendid idea!" my aunt boasted as I turned to look at him. He thought he was funny for that.

"Lilith, your mother tells me Mr. O'Corner took you out today? Is there perhaps talk about a proposal?" she asked, causing me to spit my water out.

Everyone looked at me concerned as my aunt's question caught me off guard. Lilith eyed me as I grabbed a napkin to wipe my face.

"Um, we watched a play, but I'm not sure if he's considering a proposal," she answered modestly.

"Nonsense, child, you are beautiful, and I hear he has a large fortune and land," she added, smiling at the thought.

Sure, the man was rich, but he was boring. I mumbled to myself, "I don't see anything exciting about that."

"Lilith doesn't want to focus on marriage right now. Let her get to know him first, mama," Colette shouted, eating her soup.

My aunt sighed, and we knew she was about to start a long-winded monologue. "I understand, but all I'm saying is for men, it doesn't take them long to know if they like you or not," she began.

"Your father knew the moment he met me. Isn't that right, honey?" she asked my uncle, who was reading the latest newspaper.

"Of course, my love," he answered, still reading the paper.

"Well, if that's the case, then maybe he will propose soon," Lilith smiled, earning my aunt to clap her hands in excitement.

She began to talk about how she always dreamed of Colette and Lilith getting married around the same year.

I was confused as when I spoke with Lilith, she said she wasn't interested in the man. That she didn't know him... why the sudden change of heart?