Unrequited

14 - Temptation

"I warned you to not provoke me!" Luca growled. She could tell he was livid and struggling to control his anger. He started unbuttoning his shirt, looking at her with furious hooded eyes.

"I refuse to stop seeing my friends and you have to stop being an asshole to them! I won't tolerate it! You have no right to be nasty to them, they've done nothing wrong. And you have no right to control me!" Clara sat on a chair in the corner of her room, watching apprehensively as Luca removed his shirt.

"I was perfectly civil to Bella. I'm only ensuring that you're not tempted to stray with Oliver. He has a bone to pick with me. You can't deny that he antagonizes me?" He ground out through gritted teeth while unbuckling his belt.

Clara gripped the armrest and leaned forward, shouting in anger, "you haven't been exactly affable towards him!"

"He wants you!" Luca roared as he stalked menacingly towards her.

"At least someone does!"

They glared at each other, both breathing heavily, trying to control their anger. Clara attempted to slow the rapid beating of her heart as Luca reached for her and hauled her out of the chair by her shoulders. He tugged her against him, his intense blue gaze explored her face as a multitude of expressions washed over his. She watched as his eyes changed from anger to desire, then to another emotion that she couldn't comprehend.

"Luca?" She whispered nervously.

He gripped her head and continued to gaze at her before searing her with a tender kiss. Under the gentleness, she sensed his hunger, he wanted and demanded more and made it known. His tongue delved deep into her mouth as he held her head still, coaxing her to respond with the same desperation. He took long, deep strokes with his tongue and she felt the very core of her melt. Clara felt her barriers being assaulted by this new tenderness. A tenderness that was unexpected and caught her off guard. His new method of warfare was causing control to slip through her fingers. With determination, Clara put her hands on his chest and pushed against him with all her might.

Luca changed his hold on her and gripped her waist, pinning her to the spot. He ran warm kisses along her collarbone, taking gentle bites as he went, making his way up her neck to her ear. He kissed her earlobe and whispered, his voice raw, "I want to be inside you."

"You've always said that you didn't find it difficult to fuck me." She reacted instinctively and threw his crass words back at him in self-defense.

Luca stilled, her words had hit a nerve then he groaned hoarsely, cradling her head between his hands and resumed kissing her with renewed desperation. He seemed to be fighting with himself as he loosened his grip on her slowly and stepped away.

With a tortured look and a heavy sigh he said, "as much as I want you right now, I don't want us to start like this. Get into bed Clara before I change my mind."

Clara didn't hesitate, surprised at his restraint. She stepped around him and changed quickly into the thickest fleece pajamas she had and slipped into bed. Luca sat in the chair that she had vacated, leaning forward with his elbows resting on his thighs as he watched her solemnly, his jaw ticking. She switched off the lamp on her side but knew that sleep would elude her for some time. She was uncomfortable in her pajamas but she was even more uncomfortable knowing Luca was quietly watching her as she drifted slowly out of consciousness.

~~~~~~~~~~

Clara rolled over on the bed, finding the other side empty. She registered the smell of bacon and coffee and got out to plod to the kitchen, thanking her lucky stars that her morning sickness was now only sporadic and generally over.