Haunt

Ch. 15- Curious

Lianna's POV

A small tear falls down my cheek and it makes me flinch back from Eric's grasp.

I'm showing weakness...

Eric's eyes narrow into an evil glare sending chills down the curve in my back.

"I told you, I don't want you to be afraid of me."

His tone would say otherwise.

I can feel Eric's fingernails dig into the sensitive skin around my hip bones. My hands are still placed firmly to his chest and with all dread, there is no escaping his grasp unless he wants me to.

Another tear falls on the opposite cheek.

I don't want to be afraid. But I am and with good reason. There is still a faint hint of bravery, though that rises up in my chest, urging me to say what I think. To utter words that frighten me and threaten to make this ruthless man angry.

I won't let those kind of threats stop me.

"How can I not be afraid when you've hurt me? You hit me, Eric. Don't you remember? Isn't it evident?" I point to the blackened mark on my face and watch as his eyes blaze into flames.

Eric releases me and stands, walking to my window. His actions take me by surprise and I'm suddenly out of breath. I watch his back muscles move with every short step he takes.

"Isn't it a weakness to walk away?"

Did the words just escape from my mouth?

Slowly, Eric turns back to face me, an amused smirk lining his lips. He walks towards me and my back presses into the closet door.

"What did you say?"

I swallow hard in fear of the trouble I have now caused. Once he's close enough, I begin shaking my head in denial.

"I didn't mean it like that."

A gruesome laugh escapes him as both hands are placed on either side of my head.

"Oh, than, what did you mean, exactly?"

I avert my eyes away from his penetrating deathly stare.

"I'm sorry."

A low growl curdles in the back of Eric's throat forcing me to look into his raging gaze.

"Don't you fucking lie, Lianna. You started this. Now finish it."

With a sorrowful sigh, I let my tensed hands fall limp at my sides.

"You hit me, Eric. And- and I'm afraid you'll do it again."

His hot breath hits my face with such steadiness that it seems like he's panting. I dare look into those darkened blue eyes. Eric's features are contoured with uncertainty and rage. He slides his hands down so that his forearms rest next to me now.

His face only centimeters from mine.

His lips pace back and forth over mine only making me uncertain of his next moves.

"I can't take it back."

"I can't trust you. I hardly know you."

A fast kiss is placed over the swollen bruise.

"You would have to trust me to know me."

I watch as he looks down at me with the eyes of a small child, pleading that somehow he's done nothing wrong, for me to somehow believe him and forget all the mess he's caused.

I can't do that.

Can I?

Should I let him in? The consequences that could come with that are significant.

"How do I trust you?"

Another kiss.

"You let me in. Let me get to know you."

Eric's hands slide down the sides of my body and he places a firm grip on my hips while leading me back to the bed. His lips stay close to my ear as he continues to speak.

"You let me stay tonight because something inside you is curious enough to want me to stay."

Now he's just being cocky.

"Eric, that has nothing to do with it."

I will stand my ground on this. Trusting him doesn't mean he's allowed to take advantage of me.

An angry furrow comes over his brow but he shakes it away quickly.

"Lianna, I don't do well with disobedience."

I cross my arms over my chest.

"What does that matter? I'm not an initiate over yours. I don't take orders from you."

That makes his jaw go rigid. But I will not be frightened.

"What exactly do you want, Lianna?" He challenges.

"Your word."

Eric runs an exasperated hand through his hair before placing  his hands back on my hips, uncrossing my arms in the process.

"My word on what?"

"That you won't harm me again."

An reassuring answer does not come. His lips find the bruise again, like they have permanently become attracted to that one spot, as if it is his way of saying sorry.

I allow this intimacy between us because I'm not exactly sure I want it to stop. There is something here, between us. I couldn't say what it is but the word curiosity comes to mind.

We are both curious of one another.

I, curious of what the darker side of life looks like. To not always be friendly and happy. To be allowed to bring violence into a situation and not be  judged for it. I crave a daunting spirit that's lingered in me for so long. I want it to be free.

Eric, he could be curious of many things. Although, he seems very sure of himself. It occurs to me that his sudden interest in me is questionable but to an extent that I'm not ready to ask him yet. He said I needed to know him to trust him.

Would the answers fall into place the longer I let him near me? Or will it all become more than I thought?

Is Eric the one I take the risk with?

He's dangerous. Brutal. A leader with no boundaries.

But his lips soon find the soft spot right under my jaw and I'm thrown into oblivion. He doesn't place another kiss to my lips and I'm glad for it. I'm too unsure of him but I want his presence.

I'm eternally a ball of chaos.

Eric's strong arms engulf me, leaving me no choice but to fall into them. Surprisingly, they are comforting in a way I never thought possible.

I face away from him but allow his lips to press soft kisses down the length of my back. It's uncertain how long he does that because before I know it, a blackness takes me and I'm dreaming uncontrollably.

By far, the worst chapter I've ever written and I apologize for it. I hit a bit of a block and got completely distracted. The next one will be 10 times better and will make so much more sense. If anyone's confused, I'm sorry. Stay with me, I promise things are going to get good.