In The Safety Of A Lie - COMPLETED!

Chapter 9

Joey had insisted on continually walking Evelina home after work for the next few months. He knew that there were risks involved for both of them. Being able to see her every day helped ease his mind that she was alright and safe, yet the thought that Jimmy or some other guy could follow him, or think he was being unsocial and hiding something, still snipped its way at his mind. She weakened him. He didn't know what he would do if something happened to her. He couldn't let that happen.

"Joey!" Jimmy snapped. He glared at him, clearly unhappy with his lack of focus.

Joey glanced at him and grabbed the box being handed over. He pushed it up onto a shelf. He didn't know what was in the box, nor did he really care; his mind was in other places.

"What's going on, Joey?" Jimmy eyed him up, clearly trying to figure out the reason for his obvious lack of focus.

Joey cleared his throat. "Nothing. Hand me the next box."

Jimmy handed him another box, stopping as soon as Joey slid it onto the shelf next to the other one. "Does it have something to do with the girl you've been walking home every night?"

Joey's gaze sharpened as he pinned Jimmy with a glare. "Stay out of it, Valdez."

"No girlfriends, Joey. There's a reason why that's a rule. Lose the hoe." Jimmy started reaching down for the next box.

Joey didn't wait, he rammed his friend with all the force that he could muster and pinned him against the wall. "Don't call her that!"

Jimmy raised his hands up in the air in surrender. "Whoa! Joey, you're getting too attached. I'm just trying to watch your back."

Joey's glare lingered a little longer. He searched Jimmy's eyes for any reason why he should be concerned about him knowing. It didn't matter though; the fact that he knew already put Ev in danger. This was the risk that he had been trying to avoid. He backed away and picked up the box on his own, throwing it against the shelf with a little bit more force than he had anticipated.

"Get rid of her, Joey." Jimmy shook out his shirt, allowing it to settle back in place. "Get rid of her or you know what'll happen."

Joey didn't look at him. He couldn't. He knew Jimmy was right. If anyone else found out, she'd be killed. There was too much of a risk of her knowing something and endangering the senator.

Jimmy grabbed Joey's arm. "Tell me that you're going to move her along."

Joey's head snapped back at Jimmy. His nostrils were flared and his defenses were up. He pulled his arm tight against Jimmy's grasp, his muscles flexing as if he'd need to use them. "Stay out of it." His voice was low and dangerous; unyielding.

Jimmy's jaw hardened. He gave Joey one last intimidating stare before backing away. He didn't say anymore. He dropped the subject, but to Joey that was even scarier. What was going on his mind? He prayed that Jimmy wasn't planning on doing something stupid.

It was already late in the afternoon. Joey finished up his work and buzzed home to get changed to see Evelina. He had some things to think about. It was wrong to keep putting her in danger. It may not seem like much danger now. All they did was go for walks and talk, but he knew what really could happen. It was always calm before the storm. He just needed to figure out what storm was coming their way. Or maybe he wouldn't let it get that far. Honestly, he needed to just be thankful for the time that he had been able to spend with her. That had been a vacation for him. He needed to step back before it was too late.

He forced his worries to go away for the evening. There was no way that he was going to let that get in the way of having a good time. She was the slice of heaven that he had to look forward to. He wasn't the devil per se, but he had enough of those qualities in him to know that he had the opportunity to spend his time with an angel. The little bit of goodness was enough to bring him out of his dark exterior and into the light. He had to believe that she was right; they were in love. How else could he explain the feelings that he already felt for her so quickly? There was no possible way that he could feel this strongly for someone else — ever.

Their date went smoothly and amazing as usual. Something was different though. Perhaps it was the thought that he might not be able to see her again. Perhaps it was because she was looking even more beautiful than usual. Everything about her was simple. He'd seen the outfit before on her. In fact, it was the same one that she'd been wearing on their first date. She was stunning. Things seemed to be moving faster than usual. He couldn't shake her from his mind. He wanted to put his hands on her. The desire was stronger than ever. Walking her to her door was the easy part, saying bye wasn't so easy. It could be his last time saying it.

A look lingered in his eyes, a desirous hunger, clearly showing that he wanted something more than just a kiss goodnight. He couldn't hide it as well as he wanted to. Neither of them acted on the look, however. They both knew better. They had standards. Morals.

Evelina began opening her door. She left it open a crack as her eyes drifted back over her shoulder. She watched Joey walking away. She wanted to take in all of him. Anything that would keep his memory alive and fresh. Something sweet to dream about for the night and think about in the morning before work.

He could feel her gaze on him. It was strong, perhaps even lustful. He couldn't walk away from her, especially if this was the last time he saw her. He stopped and turned around, just as she did the same. There was clear and evident purpose in every step. He wanted her; that part was obvious. He was going to have her. The hunger in his eyes matched his every move as he grabbed the back of her head and pressed her mouth to his. His fingers twisted in her hair. There was a gentle forcefulness as his lips pressed against hers, not leaving her much of a chance to take a breath first.

For a few seconds he could feel Ev try to pull away, but something clearly stopped her as she embraced his closeness and returned the kiss with just as much passion and hunger. He pushed her back into the room, out of view of any lurking eyes. This was personal, between a man and a woman. Just for them.

In his right mind he knew he should walk away, especially after the confrontation with Jimmy, but he wasn't in his right mind. He was completely consumed by her right now. There was no way of avoiding the hunger that were rippling through him. He wanted her. He needed her.

Evelina didn't know what she was thinking, but she couldn't resist him. A mild fear still shuddered through her body, but it wasn't enough to make her resist. Her heart fluttered nervously as she heard him push the door shut behind them and wrap his arms around her. She loved feeling that close to him, but the confliction that echoed its way throughout her body tried to hinder her enjoyment. This was going against everything she stood for. Everything she believed.

Ev couldn't stop reminding herself that she was a Christian. She believed in staying pure and waiting for something like this to happen after marriage. She put her hand on his chest and began pushing back. Her body overtook her however and the desire that she had to be with him came through clearly. She couldn't stop herself. She could feel him peeling away her clothes as her hands followed the rhythm and numbly grabbed at his shirt. The first button popped open readily. What if this was a mistake? Second and third button. She couldn't stop herself. Four and fifth button...

They both had their reasons for needing to resist, but no matter how strong those reasons were, nothing could stop them from the temptation of getting hot and heavy. Their breathing was ragged and rapid in between their lips meeting each others. There was no way that they could stop. The thoughts of giving each other everything was the only thoughts that soon ran through their minds, drowning out any memories of consequences trying to flood in.