Let Me Love You

Chapter 9

"Oh my god," Norma sighed, stepping out from where Alex had her pinned against the wall. Turning on the light in the living room, she finally saw the extent of the mess; her pictures knocked over, lamps shattered on the floor.

As Alex moved down the hall, fixated on the broken window at the end, he was suddenly all too aware of who was responsible. His hands balled into fists at his sides but he quickly recovered his composure as he heard Norma come around the corner.

"Who would do this?" she asked, breathing hard, and he reached out to pull her into his arms.

"It's okay," he breathed as he rocked her gently. They stood in the hall for a while, unsure of what to do.

Norma wracked her brain, trying to think of some kind of explanation for this. She hadn't pissed anyone off in a while. Her thoughts immediately went to Alex. Could someone be after him? Was he in danger?

As she looked around, it hit her. Of course it was about Alex. She tried to think back to earlier in the evening. When did she last see Rebecca? Where did she go after they talked?

Norma pulled back just enough to look in his eyes. "It was her, wasn't it?" she said through gritted teeth.

He stared at her for a moment. Should he lie? She probably wouldn't let it go until she figured it out anyway. And then she would really be mad at him. Eventually, he decided against it, closing his eyes and nodding. "I think so."

Taking a deep breath, she nodded. She tried as hard as she could not to get angry with him. It wasn't his fault.

She walked back into the living room to clean up, leaving him in the hallway. He decided it was best to leave her alone and went to work on reorganizing the table in the foyer.

They worked in silence for a while, though Alex kept an eye on her, waiting for her inevitable freak out. But she kept her composure, silently stewing. He wasn't sure which was worse.

"Norma, why don't you let me finish up down here and you can go to bed?" he finally suggested.

She turned around slowly, shooting him an unreadable look. She walked toward him and reached for his hand. "Come to bed," she said, pulling him along with her.

He didn't respond, just set down the bag he was holding and followed her all the way up the stairs and into their room. "You sure you want me to sleep in here tonight? I can sleep in Dylan's room," he suggested.

She turned around, looking at him questioningly. "Why?"

He shifted his weight awkwardly. "I just thought you were mad at me. I thought you might want your space."

Her face softened and she turned around, motioning toward her zipper. "Will you help me?" she asked.

He stepped toward her and began unzipping her dress.

"I'm not mad at you, Alex. I'm just sick of talking about it. And I'm sick of her. I wish she would just leave us the fuck alone."

He smiled, placing his hand on her shoulder and leaning down to kiss her neck.

"Me too," he whispered against her skin. "I'll handle it," he said seductively, his lips ghosting across the length of her shoulder as his other hand drifted down her spine.

She shivered, tilting her head to one side to give him better access.

Her arm snaked around his neck as he continued placing soft kisses against her skin. He pushed the material over her shoulders, sliding the dress down her perfect body. She stepped out of it when it pooled at her feet and his arm wrapped around her stomach, pulling her hard against him. She moaned when his desire pressed against her ass and she pressed her hips back greedily.