Teddy Bear Love

Chapter XIII - Freedom On Two Wheels

Lucy

The door to my room creaked open, and I glanced up from the book in my hands to find Vivianne Vox leaning against the frame. Her posture was casual, yet her eyes held that familiar glint of superiority that made my stomach twist uncomfortably.

"Lucy, sweetie," she cooed with a voice dripping with feigned concern. "I'm sorry if you felt uncomfortable. It was all in good fun."

Her smile didn't reach her eyes, and I tightened my grip on the book, "It's okay, Vivianne," I said, trying to match her politeness even as my heart raced. "Let's just put it behind us." What Vivianne deciding to ask during truth or dare left a weird feeling in me. With everyone else, she didn't ask invasive questions. It felt like instead of joking with me, I was the joke. But, surely she didn't think it would upset me. She's been nice to me so far, so maybe just maybe she didn't mean to push me. I also didn't want any contention between us after the rapport we recently built.

"See, I knew you were a good sport." She clapped her hands together, the sound echoing through the room. "In the spirit of moving forward, how about joining us for a spot of shopping? Tom, Miranda, Theodore, and I are heading out." Her lips curved into a grin. "It'll be fun."

The offer hung in the air between us, heavy with unspoken terms and conditions. Shopping wasn't exactly my scene, but the thought of hanging out with them– finding a way to fit into this new world – nudged me to my feet.

"Okay," I said, my response coming out more hesitant than intended. "I'll go."

"Brilliant!" Vivianne's eyes sparkled with a victorious gleam as she swept from the room, leaving a trail of her floral perfume.

As I stepped outside the manor, my eyes were drawn to the group huddled around a sleek, futuristic car that exuded luxury. Vivianne, Miranda, and Tom were gracefully slipping into the supple leather seats. I felt a sudden pang of anxiety, realizing that my unease with shopping was due to it being closely intertwined with cars. My breath hitched, and I froze, unable to will myself closer. The thought of disappointing Vivianne kept me frozen in place, grappling with my internal turmoil.

"Lucy?" Theodore's voice broke through my hesitation, warm and laced with concern. "You coming?" He asked while adjusting the collar of his leather jacket.

I swallowed hard, my gaze locked onto the car that represented everything I feared. "I-I can't," I stammered, the confession burning my throat. "Cars... they scare me."

A flicker of understanding crossed his face, and he stepped closer, his grey eyes searching mine. "How about a ride on my bike instead?" he offered, thumbing over his shoulder where a matte black motorcycle waited, looking nothing short of freedom on two wheels.

"Your bike?" My heart rate quickened at the thought of straddling such a powerful, dangerous vehicle. Even so, it didn't elicit the same sense of dread as a car.

"Trust me, it's nothing like being in a car," he murmured, his voice luring rather.

I took a deep breath and nodded, surrendering to the idea. Motorcycles weren't claustrophobic metal coffins. So, it was a major improvement. "Okay, let's go."

Tom stuck his head out from the driver-side door, "You're not coming with us?"

Teddy waved him off, "Go. We'll meet you there."

"Roger that," he said while slapping the side of the car. We watched as his head dipped back in and the car lurched forward, speeding out of the driveway.

We were finally alone together. I felt the tension in my muscles loosen, and a sense of comfort entered me.

"Alright, let's go." We walked over to the motorcycle he had parked closer to the street. He unhooked an extra helmet from underneath the seat, gesturing for me to come near. I nervously interlocked my fingers as he stepped even closer into my space. I could smell him. The expensive musk never ceased to make me weak in the knees. I forgot how much I missed it. I missed sitting in the library with him, listening his voice, and absorbing his essence.

I peered up at him from underneath my lashes, trying not to make it obvious I was watching him. His round arched brows furrowed with concentration as his hand reached up towards my face, and I jerked back slightly. His deep grey eyes flickered to mine, "I should've asked. I just don't want your hair to get pulled."

"Sorry,' I murmured, feeling silly. I wanted him to touch me, but I feared what it would make me feel.

He chuckled, "No worries." His fingers delicately tucked hair behind my ear, and I absent-mindedly leaned my head into his touch.

The smile that formed on his lips was one of knowing. Did he know I craved his touch? A better question to ask myself – When did I start craving it?

"Alright, now..." He carefully placed the helmet on my head.

"Ohh," I said through a laugh while reaching up to steady it atop my head.

He adjusted the chin strap with precise movements, his fingers brushing against my neck as he did so. The air around us was thick with anticipation. Anticipation, what? I didn't know yet. My heart beat faster with both excitement and nerves, knowing that this moment would be etched in my memory forever.

His gaze locked with mine as he uttered, "You look beautiful," his full, luscious lips slightly parted.

I glanced down, feeling a rush of emotions as I stammered, "T-thank you." A surge of electricity coursed through my body. No one had ever called me beautiful before. From his lips, it sounded bewitching.

He cleared his throat with a soft cough and picked up his sleek, black helmet. After securing the straps under his chin, he swung his leg over the matte motorcycle and confidently called out, "Get on."

I sat on the seat, feeling natural being so close to him. Wrapping my arms around his waist, I could feel the heat from his body seeping into mine, creating an intoxicating warmth that spread throughout my being.

"Hold on tight," his words ignited a burning within me, and I held him tighter against myself.

As we pulled away from the manor, the engine roared to life beneath us, and I leaned into Theodore, the city lights beckoning us forward. The wind whipped through my hair, and for a moment, I closed my eyes, letting the rush of the ride chase away my fears. The proximity to Teddy, the warmth of his body, the steady beat of his heart – it was intoxicating. Something was unfolding in me on the winding road to the city. It scared me in an exciting way.

This was the first time I've been in—well, I guess on—a vehicle without having a panic attack. I felt like I was flying, free, and alive for the first time since I could remember. As we rode into the city, the lights brought me into a world filled with vibrant colors and possibilities.

He skillfully parked the motorcycle in a spot near the lively shopping center, surrounded by the sounds of people and vehicles. I gracefully dismounted the motorcycle, while he carefully followed suit and took the time to stow our helmets away securely.

"That was amazing," I said, still feeling the rush course through my veins. He nodded his head in the direction for us to walk. "I'm glad you liked it... If you ever need a ride anywhere. Just call me."

I stopped, "No, I don't think you understand."

His head tilted to one side, "Make me understand."

But the story of my parents was stuck in my throat; I didn't want to sour the mood with my tale of woe. "It's nothing. I just enjoyed myself. That's all." I shook my head and then quickly tried to avert his attention by walking forward. "Thank you, Teddy."

Vivianne warned me about trusting him. It makes my head spin because I really liked him. I didn't feel unsure around him. Just content. I craved to know more.

"Lucy." He said assertively as we walked towards the building.

The hum of the mall's atmosphere enveloped us as Theodore and I made our entrance, the scent of designer perfume mingling with the sound of chatter.

"Mmh, yes?"

"I don't know what Vi told you about me, but I really want to get to know you." He paused and then continued, "Can we just restart?"

Before I could respond, I saw Vivianne posed poise and elegance against the backdrop of luxury boutiques. Her gaze flickered between us, a storm brewing behind her hazel eyes.

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