Ransom

•• Chapter 9 ••

It's the first time around Emmett Ransom that I don't actually do something stupid, or annoying, or loud, or pointless. I think one reason, is because Emmett starts playing his violin... slowly. He plays a soft tune, nothing violent or fast. 

A few minutes in, I end up leaning back on my palms and closing my eyes, tilting my head with the song. It's calms my breathing and I press my toes through the rug, getting warm by the fire. I'm totally... relaxed.

Because it's not recorded, my ears are naturally listening for any moment that Emmett doesn't hit a note correctly - but all I learn is he's a master of his instrument. Emmett has perfect precision and each note sings its own perfect precise beauty.

Much later, after an indiscernible amount of time has passed, I lie back on the rug and close my eyes, hands resting on my stomach. I pull my shirt out of my skirt casually and I undo the zip just a bit; just so I can breathe easier.

I kick off my heels and I wiggle my toes in my stockings while I lie fully back, eyes shut. I'm not falling asleep, I'm just listening. I know Emmett knows that, because he doesn't falter. The only times he pauses, is between songs while he reads from the stand, or if he's not reading the lines, he's playing freestyle.

I... love it. So much. Something about that violin...

All my worries and all my anxieties go out the window. 

At some point, Emmett Ransom stops playing one song and I wait for the next.

I'm so chilled out, my ears don't pick up on that fact that the long pause is probably due to the fact that he's finished he's practice for the night.

So, I'm a little bit shocked when I feel something tickle my lips.

I gasp, my eyes snapping open. I almost swing my head up violently. However, it's just Emmett's fingers hovering over my lips as he squats next to me and he quickly grabs my throat anyway, forcing me to keep still.

I'm totally breathless as Ransom says nothing, but holds me really tight and really still... simply so he can lean down and kiss me. I don't know what to do, but I close my eyes and I let him take control.

Emmett seems to steal my breath in a deep, lingering kiss that doesn't move much, but seems to test me out.

The first time I kissed him, standing at the bar... he didn't respond.

Now, he kisses me and I'm the one totally still.

I'm just caught off guard... I don't...

Emmett lightens his hand at my neck, now that there is no risk of me head butting him in a panic. The sudden gentle feeling in his hand - a careful touch; undoes my little shock at the beginning.

Now, I move my mouth back against his and I lean up, trying to catch more of him as he leans up... away from my sudden desperate need to join in.

"...huh?" I whine out, it's barely a word as my eyes snap open and I see Emmett... watching me... but his violet and azure eyes... they're going... cold. 

Stone cold.

No.

"Time for bed, Cherry," Emmett's answer is cut short. He looks up and he glances to the stair case, "Sleep wherever you want."

"I thought -"

"Don't question it," Emmett snaps and walks off. 

I scramble to my feet and I follow him. What the hell is happening now?

We head up the stair case, into a dimly lit hall for the bedrooms. 

I stay a few paces behind, too scared to get too close or in his way.