Twisted - Tangled Limbs Sequel (Shannon Leto Fanfiction)

Chapter 8

(Shannon's POV)

(Trigger Warnings: Sadism, sexual content and language.)

'I'm going to take Brittany out and show her some sights and you two will have some time alone.' Jared said.

'We don't need time alone.' Missi said quickly, making it hard for us to conceal our amusement over her obvious doubt about being alone with me.

'You two have fun.' I replied grinning as Jared and Brittany bowed out gracefully.

It was obvious Missi felt uneasy after they left.

'It's okay Miss. I'm not gonna attack you because we're alone.'

'I know that.' She said indifferently and went out to the kitchen and busied herself.

'I'll be out by the pool if you need anything.' I said, assuming she needed space.

'Okay'

I sat down and dangled my legs in the water and she eventually joined me.

'Better now?' I asked as she swirled her feet in the water.

'Yes'

'I'm not going to crowd you Miss. You've been through a lot and I'm willing to wait for you to find your way back. I'm just glad you're here with me now.'

'Me too.' She said and subtly inched closer.

I put my arm around her and she cozied up against me. We sat quietly for a while, then she looked up at me. Even though she'd been through hell, she still had an innocence that was hard to resist. I put my hand on her cheek, kissing her softly. The look of fear in her eyes afterward was like a deer waiting for a signal to stay or flee. I didn't give her any cues, wanting her to feel safe with whatever choice she made.

Jared once cautioned me that if I tried to rule Missi she'd lose her identity. It pained me that she had lost that and more. The only condolence was it hadn't been my doing. I wasn't Michael, I was man enough to love her unconditionally without mind games or restraints. I wanted the chance to prove it and maybe she'd remember how deeply I had.

Her eyes followed the same path her finger took as it outlined my lips, then she gazed into my eyes before slowly pressing her lips against mine. I anticipated a brief kiss, but it lingered until our tongues met.

'How about we go inside.' I said, and she nodded.

I stood up and she took my outstretched hand. I pulled her up and we made our way inside. I nuzzled her neck, lingering at the base of her ear.

She pulled away and looked at me perplexedly.

'What's wrong?' I whispered.

'Why do I suddenly feel compelled to run?'

'There's no need for that.'

I grinned, knowing where her mind had gone. There were times she wanted pursued with a chase around the house. When I caught her she'd always give it up so to speak.

'But I remember doing that.'

'You did that quite a bit.'

She looked pleased having remembered, but I didn't think she'd act on it.

'I can help you remember a few other things.' I said, about to place my arms around her and she took off.

'Fuck' I said under my breath, even though I was happy to indulge her reawakened playfulness.