Beneath The Rain (18+)

Chapter 10 : Aftermath

The Investigator

He stands in the doorway of my motel room, leaning against the frame. After all that has happened I can't help but, look at him differently. It was fascinating seeing him change like a flip of a switch.

"I have to shower." My voice is lower than I attended. He walks in shutting the door behind him. He seems to read me better than I can myself.

"It was part of the plan." He moves closer to me. The tone of his voice intimidates me a bit. When I think back on the events, the thoughts collect in my head. The only action I can focus on being the way his hands were tangled in my hair forcing me to look up at him. Even him calling me a slut made my mind go crazy.

Focusing on him, I suck my bottom lip between my teeth. "I know." I state, moving towards the bathroom with him following. I barely know anything about him. I can't have the thought of him doing that when I'm bent over, his to use as he pleases plaguing my mind. I've never been that way. My main goal is to find Ashley.

"What's wrong?" His voice carrying me away from my thoughts. Damn, why have I never noticed the way his voice is silky smooth, velvety even. I can feel my cheeks turning red, definitely enough to shine through the makeup.

His hand cups the side of my face "Are you okay?" I'm glad he's oblivious to what's going on inside my head. Looking up at him through my lashes. His eyes are examining me, as to find what is wrong. I can feel my breath hitch, keeping me from responding. Keeping my eyes on him, his eyes finally stop on mine.

"Are you flustered?" His question finally registers. My eyes widen, how'd he figure it out? His head tilting as he leans in closer. "I can do it again if you like." His voice is low, raspy even. He's so close, I can't think. I've always been logical, I've not had many experiences so, when it comes to what's happening right now. I'm a dear in headlights.

"I need to get some clothes." I push by him only to be grabbed by the arm, my head turning towards him in the process. His eyes are locked on me, his demeanor has changed.

"You'll stay here." He turns, leaning down starting the water. His eyes land back on mine then landing on where he has ahold of me. He lets go standing up completely.

"I will leave." He states, passing me on the way out. I stand there stunned at what just happened. Hearing a 'click' from the door of the apartment. Rushing out, I sling open the door. Seeing him walking down the hallway.

"Owen." My legs picking up the pace. "I don't want you to leave." I say, grabbing onto his sleeve. He slowly turns.

"And if I stay?" He questions, his tone not giving anything away.

"You will stay because" I pause, my eyes face the ground searching for a reason. I don't know why he needs to stay. But I know, I don't want to be alone.

"Because, I need you here." Looking back up at him, his expression softens. He doesn't say anything. He just turns back towards my apartment as he grabs my hand leading me back in.

"You, take a shower. I'll be here." He says, sitting down on the bed.

I have to be upfront, just let it out. "The events at the subway shook me up but, I've seen worse through trying to find her. I've been doing this for 4 years and basically alone through the last 2 of them. Then you just appear." I stop myself from continuing, since his eyes are fixated on me. It makes my mind push everything away, to only focus on him. That's the problem.

I suck in a deep breath before speaking again. "You have brought me closer to finding her than I ever have been. Owen, I barely know you yet, my mind cannot operate when you're around. I frankly don't understand these thoughts." I state as clearly as I possibly can. A smile is on his face. A smile of what only can be considered victory.