WMMAP - [S2] Shelter You

59: Unexpected Sensation

An unwelcome coldness emerged when the warmth of another person was lost. Athanasia's entire body shuddered. In need of further warmth, one hand seized the blanket and pushed it up to her face.

Unbeknownst to her, Athanasia's other hand shifted to the other side of the bed, and she reached for nothing but air.

"Lucas?" She called out his name, her voice cracking and barely audible.

Slowly, she opened her eyes and looked at the bed's vacant side. Although she began to experience some pain in her neck, it was insignificant in comparison to how numb her entire body was. Exhuasted and numbed. She felt like she needed another twenty four hours of sleeping to recharge.

"Lucas..." She said his name once again, more loudly. Nevertheless, there was only silence in the room.

Athanasia gave the bed linens a firm squeeze. Disillusionment and emptiness clouded her thoughts.

Suddenly, though, a hand covered hers. Squeezing the back of her hand with their palm, fingers threaded through. In this particular moment, she sensed the rhythm of his heartbeat in the still room. To allow a hand to slide underneath, Athanasia's head was raised just enough. It dawned on her then that she had no pillow to sleep on. They must have still been on the floor or something but she couldn't care less or moved as much.

Athanasia threw back her head a little when the person nibbled lightly on her earlope. The back of her head struck a firm yet supple surface. A tiny laugh was heard there, and then she felt a familiar pair of lips brush against her neck.

"Miss me already?"

Athanasia recognized the voice. Then, without denying or accepting anything, she hummed. The fact that he was next to her was enough reason for her to drift back to sleep.

She had no idea how or when the feelings had entered her system, but the instant he was near, the calming sense of security took the place of all her fear. Either his speech or his physical contact put her to sleep in much better mood after the day she had confronted Lucas about her father.

Lucas started leaving more trails of kisses behind her neck. His nose, his lips brushed all over her skin and she felt her skin crawl.

Athanasia, who only wanted to sleep, complained a little, and Lucas immediately stopped. He hooked his chin on her shoulder instead.

"Aren't you going to ask me where I've been?" Lucas asked quietly. He brought her body closer to his by placing his other forearm around her waist and pressing his hand firmly over her stomach.

Athanasia remained silent.

Lucas moved his body higher without taking his arm off of Athanasia's body, a little agitated and interested to see if she was dozing off again. He looked over her figure before brushing his lips on her cheek.

"Athy..." He kept his pouted lips on her flesh as he called her name. "Not going to ask at all?"

Athanasia's inhale caused Lucas' palm to shift. It was as if she was mustering her strength to reply. Rather than responding out loud, Athanasia simply shook her head.

Every time she turned her face, Lucas' motionless lips gave her a quick peck on the cheek. Lucas noticed the little things, especially of how exhausted she seemed. He pondered whether he had gone too far this time.

Yet he could not resist teasing her.

"What if I was out to meet my... Secret lover?"

Despite the heavy eyelids, Athanasia let her eyes flutter open. Athanasia turned her head to look at her boyfriend, who was still spooning her.