The One Fanfiction

Chapter 25

         I stepped into the bath water and goosebumps appeared all over my skin. My body wasn't used to the feeling of hot water after all of this time. I scrubbed my skin until every inch was raw, but clean. I felt like not only body was cleaned, but my mind too. The suffering I'd endured didn't stay with me every second. It faded into no more than a bad memory.

        I felt more like my old self. More confident, ready to take on the world. It was nice.

        I got dressed in a casual, loose-fitting purple cotton dress and tights. It was nothing special, but it was the most comfortable thing I'd ever worn. I put on a pair of flats and headed out the door. I was met by a group of guards who insisted on escorting me. After some sighs and eye rolling from me and some serious patience from them, we all walked to Maxon's room.

        He was standing in the doorframe. His blond hair was a dark brown from his shower. Maxon smiled when he saw us. "Thank you, gentlemen. I think I've got it from here." I raised and eyebrow at him as I walked closer to him

        I went into his room and he followed close behind. The room looked brighter with him here. The painting seemed more lifelike. The more I glanced around, the more I could picture Maxon living here. I noticed other small details I hadn't noticed before. There were pictures of me, of me and him from the photo shoot, some of his family.

        Maxon was looking out the window, lost in thought. I walked over to him and put my hand on his back. He jumped in surprise and his heart hammered under my palm. Concern creeped into my voice as I said, "Maxon, are you okay?" He let out a breath he'd been holding.

        "Yeah." He ran a hand through his honey colored hair. He cleared his throat and started again. "Yeah. I'm- I'm fine. Just a little jumpy is all. Nothing to worry about."

        I eyed him suspiciously. Maxon seemed fine, but what happened just moments earlier wasn't normal for him. He'd known I was there and he was usually calm, cool, and collected.

        It was probably nothing. He'd most likely been so deep in thought, he'd forgotten I was there. Yeah, that had to be it. Maxon was fine. We were home, together, safe. What could be wrong?

        I shook my head to clear those thoughts from my mind. I grabbed his hand and led him to the bed.

        We sat down and I looked up at Maxon. He was already gazing at me fondly. Our eyes locked and I didn't dare look away. He leaned in and I waited for our lips to meet- but they didn't. Maxon stopped when our noses were touching. This was the best part. The waiting. The wanting.

        It hurt to be so close and not finishing what Maxon had started. But it was a good kind of pain. The kind of ache you crave.

        When I could barely stand it, Maxon finally leaned in all the way. My breathing hitched as our lips met. I exhaled slowly through my nose as all of my thoughts faded away. All I could feel was how right this was. His strong muscles pressing against my body, my hands on his shoulders and in his hair, hearts beating in unison.

        Maxon laid down slowly on to the bed. We didn't break apart as I settled on top of him. His hands rested on my lower back, tracing small patterns that set my body on my fire. The more I tried to fulfill the desire burning inside of me, the bigger it got. I had to stop before it became too much and we went somewhere I wasn't ready for us to go.

        I savored the kiss for a second more before reluctantly rolling off him and on to the bed. I turned to him, my breathing heavy. A wave of exhaustion swept over me. Maxon must've felt it too because his eyelids were drooping as he looked at me. I turned over again and snuggled up against him. He put an arm over me protectively and pulled me closer. I heard him mumble, "I love you."

        That was the last thing I heard before drifting off in his arms.