A Thin Line Between Love & Hate (Love Conquers All series) ORIGINAL VERSION

Chapter 73: "A Thing Called Love"

"You calm the storms,
And you give me rest.
You hold me in your hands,
You won't let me fall.
You steal my heart,
And you take my breath away.
Would you take me in,
Take me deeper now.

Cause you're all I want,
You're all I need,
You're everything, everything."

- Everything, LIFEHOUSE

"What's wrong?" Uriah noticed the dampness in James' eyes as soon as he climbed into the car, his face illuminated by the interior light. He closed the door and they were cast into shadow again.

"Nothing," James mumbled and set the small paper bag between the seats.

"You're lying," Uriah said. "I saw Beckman go in; did he start shit with you?"

"No, I'm fine," James whispered, a slight tremor in his voice. "Let's just go."

"If you've changed your mind..."

"I haven't." James looked at him, his voice softening as he repeated, "I haven't changed my mind."

Uriah nodded and started the car. He thought about questioning him more on Beckman but decided to let it go. He had a limited amount of time left with James and he didn't want to waste it discussing some prick.

"There's a motel at the edge of town," James said quietly. "It's nice enough, and the rates are cheap."

Uriah frowned. "You've gotten a room there before?"

James shook his head and smiled, the tension he brought from the store beginning to fade. "It's posted on the sign outside."

"Oh," Uriah murmured.

Fifteen minutes later, they were parked in front of the obscure little motel at the edge of town. James waited at the car while Uriah went into the office and rented one of the rooms which the motel clerk called cabins. The motel was empty but for one customer, and Uriah took the cabin at the far end, the furthest away from the office where he could park the Mustang out of view of the street.

Uriah and James entered the room in silence. The cabin was nice; nothing fancy but not disgusting, either. Just an average small-town motel room. James looked around the room, his nervousness evident in his anxious hands as they flexed at his sides.

"You don't have to do this," Uriah said. "If you change your mind..."

James turned around. "Why do you keep thinking I've changed my mind?" He stared at Uriah and though he was clearly nervous, the look in his eyes assured Uriah that he wasn't having second thoughts.

"I just don't want you to think you're obligated because we made it this far."

James came closer and flattened his palms of Uriah's chest. He was a couple inches shorter than Uriah and looked up at him. "I'm not going to have sex for the first time out of obligation." He kissed Uriah's throat very softly, sending pleasant shivers quivering through the older boy. "I want to be with you."

Dipping his head, Uriah kissed him on the mouth as he shoved his hands into James' hair. He didn't know if he was doing the right thing with James; the guy was only sixteen. But his feelings for Uriah were real—Uriah could sense it in his touch, his kiss...see it in his eyes. And Uriah needed something good...some good memories...to sustain him when he returned to hell.

†

Uriah was older and more experienced, yet somehow seemed vulnerable and possibly even taking his cues from James. Maybe it was understandable; Uriah had more experience with sex, but only the physical aspect...he knew little of the emotional side. It was in that respect that he was looking to James for guidance.