Dangerous [Bradley Simpson] Sequel to On the Floor (novella)

Chapter Sixteen - Her

James' flat had become a base for us then. No one went back home after we received the riddle. In fact, the only person that even stepped out of the abode was Tristan, and it was always just to get food, which really translated to 'flirt with the concierge.' Even Brad, who had shown up that evening, refused to leave until we knew something.

Most of the evening, we were all on the edge of our seats, waiting for the two phone calls; one from Dean and one from Trevor. My stomach was churning with anticipation. I could feel her getting closer to me, but this time I wasn't afraid.

Connor was still desperate to try to discuss what happened in Paris with me, but with the presence of Bradley, I refused even more. The walls were constricting the three of us, and it was suffocating, although Brad didn't know why, but the tension was thicker than blood. James, being the saint he normally was, tried to keep Connor occupied. He and I both knew the last thing that we needed on our plate was a confession to Brad about the kiss.

"Everyone is so tense," Brad mumbled to me.

"Well, what do you expect?" I said. "We've been waiting for hours."

"No," he shook his head. "Connor hasn't even said two words to me, he's not usually like that."

I shrugged, "We're all really focused on this, and it sucks that we can't do anything right now."

"Maybe I should go talk to him," he said.

"Don't do that," I rushed out.

He gave me an odd look, "Why not?"

I thought quickly to disguise the real reason I didn't want the pair to talk alone. "You've had Connor for six years. I'd like to spend some time with you tonight."

"Okay," he nodded. Easy as pie.

"Thank you," I whispered, resting my head on his shoulder. I inhaled his scent, letting it linger in my nose for as long as possible before planting a soft kiss on his jaw.

"Can I tell you something?" He asked quietly, snaking his arm around my waist.

I nodded quietly and began to toy with a loose string on the bottom of his shirt, that instantly reminded me of the first time we were intimate on the plane to America, and he confessed that I meant the world to him. Back then, I was so selfish, and I blamed it on my alcohol addiction. It was a wonder how such a wonderful boy like Brad fell in love with a bitch like me, but I was so lucky that he did.

"Even though I'm engaged to Allison—."

"Can we just pretend that you're not right now?" I interrupted him, lifting my head up to get a better look at his face.

He nodded slowly.

"Thank you," I whispered, resting my head once more. "Continue."

"I still love you," he murmured against my hairline. "I always will, Charlotte."

"What about Allison?" I asked.

"Shhh," He kissed my forehead. "Your rule, remember?"

I smiled, kissing the fabric that covered his shoulder. "I love you, too."

I heard a noise from the kitchen and looked over to James and Connor, where I noticed the array of empty beer bottles on the countertop and the haze of drunkenness over Connor's expression that was glaring right at me.