Craving Forgiveness

10

After breakfast you sat in the garden thinking about Alex and how you could break the news to him.

You heard footsteps," hey Alex." You said before looking up from the book you've been neglecting all morning.

"Sorry to disappoint but I'm not your boyfriend." Erik said.

"Neither is he. Can I help you?"

"I came to see how your date went."

"As if you care." You bit out.

"Oh I do."

You stood up and folded your arms," and whys that?"

"Hearing about it would be the only entertainment I get around here. Don't leave out any details."

"We had dinner, went to a beach and came back. Enough details for you?"

"Not quite. How was the kiss?" He asked evilly.

You swallowed," the kiss?"

He raised an eyebrow.

"The um...kiss was-"

In an instant Erik grabbed your face and pressed his lips to yours, he kissed you jealously for what seemed like forever.

"Like that?" He asked pulling away.

You saw something move out the corner of your eye.

Alex.

"Alex wait!" You called out but he was gone.
Erik grinned.

"Asshole." You shoved his chest and ran after Alex.

"Alex please." You shouted after him.

"Please what?!?" He stopped in his tracks.

"Alex I'm sorry. He kissed me."

"Oh I know. But you weren't too eager to pull away. Guess last night meant nothing."

"Last night meant everything! It was perfect. It was the most beautiful thing anyone has done for me."

"But?" He asked knowing there was a but.

You took a deep breath," but I didn't feel anything when we kissed. There was no spark. No chemistry."

He became visibly sad,"oh."

You touched his shoulder and he shrugged away."Alex I'm sorry. I was gonna tell you. I just didn't know how."

He slumped onto a bench still in the garden. "I feel like an idiot."

You sat next to him and took his hand,"Don't. You're not an idiot. I had the best first date ever and I don't think anyone will ever outdo it. You're such a sweetheart. You're smart, funny, kind, an absolute gentleman and any one will be lucky to have you. You'll find your special girl."

He smiled at you." You think so?"

"Uhh duh." You jokingly elbowed him.

"Thanks Atarah." He paused for a second.

"So. You and Erik huh?"

You shook your head," there is no me and Erik."

"But he kissed you."

"Erik doesn't know what he wants. He's confused."

"What do you want?" He asked.

"I want him to stop making things difficult. I want him to stop pulling me in only to push me away."

"Erik's a jerk I know."

You laughed and rolled your eyes," we all know."

"I think you two make a cute couple."

You laughed loudly," oh you're serious?"

He laughed with you." I don't know why I didn't see it before. He looked really jealous last night."
You raised an eyebrow at him and he smiled, "I'm a man. I know jealousy Atarah. He was definitely jealous."

"I'm sure he's regretting that kiss as we speak."

"I don't know." Alex said as he stood,"I know I didn't." And he walked off leaving you feeling a bit sad for him.

You really wanted to like him but there was something about Erik.

Sure he was the most infuriating person alive but he was incredibly handsome and you feel fire and ice when he kisses you.

"Care to explain what that was?" You asked furiously bursting into Erik's room.

"What what was?" He asked unamusingly while looking up from a book he was reading.

"Don't patronize me Erik."

"So you didn't like the kiss?" He got off of the bed and began slowly waking towards you.

You backed away with every step he took.

"It was rude and uncalled for."

He raised an eyebrow with a slight smile.

"You knew Alex was there. You really hurt his feelings." You paused once you finally backed into a wall. "Stop moving closer. I'm mad at you."

He stopped in front of you. "Let me apologize."

He snaked an arm around your waist and pulled you into him.

Your hand landed on his chest as you looked up at him.

He gently cupped your chin before leaning in to press his lips to yours.

This kiss was different, soft and passionate unlike the jealous hungry one from earlier.

He pulled away from you but never let you go.
He looked into your eyes," I'll find the man who killed your father Atarah. I swear."

You gave him a soft smile," thanks but I don't know if looking is a good idea anymore."

He shook his head," what happened with the president the other day only proved that you're close. You can't give up now."

"I could die Erik."

"You won't. I won't let you leave this house without me. You'll be safe."

"I don't know Erik."

He gave an understanding nod and kissed your forehead.  "I'll protect you."

You smiled and pulled away before opening the door.
"I'm still mad at you." You called over your shoulder.