Forbidden Desires

Chapter Two: Stalking the Stalker

I've been successful in avoiding Dante for almost a week. It helped that we didn't have any classes together.

Today was Friday and I was afraid my luck was about to run out. I hunched my shoulders trying to slowly make my way around the crowded halls.

I just had to survive one more day and then I could kiss the weekend hello. He hasn't made it easy for me, sniffing me out like a bloodhound on a mission.

Every time the bell rings signaling the beginning of a new period, I'd catch his gaze, wanting to drown myself in twin pools of liquid fire but not wanting to feel the burn.

On Wednesday, he almost caught me, reaching out and snagging the corner of my sweater, but I was dragged away in a sea of human bodies.

I saw the confusion swirling in his gaze, wondering why I was avoiding him, escaping, but I also saw the same desire I felt towards him building.

He wanted me to run just so he could chase and so as we sat here caught in a game of cat and mouse, the whole world remained oblivious.

I was almost on the fourth floor heading towards the library, my new found safe haven. The stairwell was deserted, not a soul in sight, everyone was either in class, the cafeteria, or headed out for lunch.

He came like a thief in the night, deadly and silent.

I didn't have time to prepare myself as he slammed me against the wall next to the double doors that led to my sweet escape. I trembled as I caught his manly scent with just a hint of his cologne.

"Please, let me go." I whispered suddenly breathless. He smirked as he turned me around to face him. He bent his head leaning forward and just as I thought I was going to feel the texture of his lips against my own he gently pressed them against my ear.

"Caught you," he whispered, having the same effect nonetheless.

I shuddered while throwing my head back in a desperate attempt to escape his touch.

"Why have you been avoiding me?" He continued barely above a whisper in the deserted stairwell. I tried responding and excusing my behavior, but couldn't think of a believable explanation.

"I didn't know I was avoiding you?" I tried weakly while nervously smiling.

He smirked, putting his hands on either side of my head and caging me in.

"It's okay little bird, I love the chase." He growled lowering his head and gliding his nose against my exposed neck, inhaling deeply.

My heart fluttered like a hummingbird's wings, the name was fitting.

"Dante,' I breathed softly prepared to enlighten him on the concept of personal space.

"I thought you said you were a loner? Stop following me around." I complained, laying my hands against his chest as I attempted to push him away. I felt pure muscle and my lower abdomen clenched in bliss.

"You'll be my first exception," I closed my eyes in annoyance, my physical reaction to his close proximity just proved that he would be my demise. I'll fall too soon, too fast.

I needed to breathe.

He pressed a gentle kiss against my throat and backed off giving me the space that I physically needed.

My lungs felt as if they were going to collapse on each other any minute now, leaving behind a crumbled mess of nothing.

"Too soon," I whispered as I stared into his obsidian eyes. He smiled for the first time since I met him and my world stopped only to pick back up again, spinning twice as fast.