Amaranthine

Chapter Twenty Six

 © Copyright 2011
All work is property of Leah Crichton, any duplication or reproduction of all or part of the work without explicit permission by the author is illegal.

Trepidation: (trep-eh-dey-shun)

a state of alarm or dread

involuntary trembling or quivering

I couldn’t remember the last time I’d welcomed sleep so much. I’m not so sure I ever had. My mind had never been through such an immense range of emotions, and the dreamless sleep I was finally awarded was gratifying. What I did not appreciate, what had not changed, was the shrill screech of the alarm clock. Orion slept beside me, and this time I didn’t have to hide him. With reluctance, Luke agreed that Orion was the only one who could protect me from what lurked in the shadows.

“Rise and shine,” he said softly. “It’s time to get up.”

I stuck my face in the pillow defiantly. “No.”

“Afraid so.” I knew this was his attempt at making my day begin as conventionally as possible. His finger found my ribs and gave a soft poke.  “You can’t hide forever. C’mon.”

I would’ve rather done just about anything than go to school, which really wasn’t school, and face Damien, who really was evil.

“No,” I said. “Can’t do it.”

“I’ll make you, you know.” He raised an eyebrow playfully.  He was almost acting like himself again, and I didn’t want it to end.

The good nature of his teasing erased the trauma of reality. The longer I could push thoughts to the back of my mind and bury them, the longer I could pretend none of this was actually happening.  I perched on my elbows so I could look at him. “That might be fun.”

“What? You think me forcing you could be fun?” He tilted his head as the corners of his lips pulled into a smile.

“Sure it could be,” I told him. “You wouldn’t use force, just fantastic manipulation.”

Orion rolled his eyes. “I can only assume you are referring to undeniable charm when you refer to fantastic manipulation?” A strand of hair fell in front of my eye, and as he spoke he moved it away.

“Yes, that is exactly what I was referring to, precisely.”

He stretched and rolled us both over so he was on his stomach and I was on my back. Tenderly, he kissed my neck. Goosebumps formed on my skin in response. 

“And what exactly would you propose I do, then, huh?”

I shrugged. “Whatever you want.” 

A wicked grin appeared on his face. “Oh no, I don’t think so. You may not find me such a gentleman.”

“I’m not so sure I’d call you a gentleman.”

He grabbed my side and tickled me. It made me jump. “You’d better watch yourself or I could accidentally kiss you on purpose.  Won’t be so mouthy with no breath.”

“You wouldn't.”

He bit my bottom lip gently between his teeth, proving that he would. “You have an unfair advantage to Luke.” I tried to think of more to say, anything, but his slight kiss left me breathless, just like they always did. The only difference was that I finally knew why. Staying in bed all day with him was a far better idea than facing Damien.

“Get up.” He rolled himself onto his side and tucked his arm underneath his head. 

I frowned. “Really?”