Catch Me

Chapter 10

Annabelle

After stepping outside on the patio, I turned to face Stefan. But before I could say anything, Stefan grabbed me around the waist and held me tightly to his chest. I gasped, I didn't see that one coming. Looking up into his face, I noticed his hurt expression.

"What is it?" I asked, concerned as to what triggered his action.

"Please, stop looking at me like that," he whispered, almost as if he were in pain.

"Like what? How am I looking at you?" 

"You're looking at me like you don't recognize the person I am. Like you don't know me at all," he said with the same expression.

I sighed, understanding what he meant. 

"Well, I didn't really know this side of you. I know that you are protective of your family and the people you care about, and I know you said that guy, Roberto, hurt your sister. But I wouldn't have imagined you punching somebody like that. It just-"

I was suddenly silenced as he lightly traced his fingers over my lips. They quivered under his touch. Stefan noticed and then his lips followed where his fingers were a second ago. Our lips brushed against each other slightly, barely a kiss.

"I'm sorry you had to see that. I really am. It just that it shocked me to see him, and with Angelica again. It's been a long time since I saw him, too. And the fact that he used to be my friend just adds insult to injury. When Angelica said they got back together, something snapped inside me. I can't and won't ever see my sister suffer the way she did when that ... that... excuse of a man just up and left," anger filled his voice. As he finished, we just looked into each other eyes. I reached up and cupped his face in my hands and caressed hiss cheeks, tracing my thumbs over jawline. I kept it up until I found my voice again.

"I understand. And I don't blame you either, if that's what you think. You don't have to justify what you did, I know you wouldn't have done that if you didn't have a really good reason for doing what you did. But that doesn't mean you didn't just freak me out, Rocky," I teased, trying to lighten the atmosphere. It worked, he chuckled.

"Admit it, you find it kind of hot," he smirked as his arms tightened around me, bringing me flush against his chest. 

"You wish, mister," I laughed at his wounded expression as I tried to get out of his embrace. We really had to go back in, dinner was going to be ready in a few minutes. Which reminded me ...

"Stefan, when we go in for dinner, please, try to be somewhat polite to Roberto. At least for the time being when the whole family is together. I know it's not my place to tell you that, but I'm also thinking about you; I don't want you to be upset, I -"

This time, I was interrepted by a kiss. Damn him, I thought. He really knew how to distract me.

When he pulled away, he smiled and brushed a stray hair out of my face. 

"Of all people, it is your place to tell me something like that. I know you're not saying that to put me back in place, but because you care about me. And I love you even more for that. I love you, Annabelle."

Before I could say anything, the glass door slid open to reveal Angelica. She stepped outside hesitantly, looking up at us with a worried expression on her face. 

"Stefan, can I talk to you?"

"Sure he can. I'll go inside, I think I forgot to get out the wine glasses," I said hastily. But when I looked up at Stefan, I noticed he was frowning at Angelica. I tugged on his hand to get his attention. When he looked at me, I looked at him sternly.