A Way Out

Chapter 11

"Agreed."

All I did was look at him as I felt him wrap his arm around my waist, pulling me closer into him. His hand rested on my lower back just above my curves, making the air within my lungs leave in quick breaths. "What are you doing?"

He didn't answer me. Instead, he let his eyes roam freely as he took full advantage of our proximity. Those icy eyes seemed to take in all of my features, and he did it with a smile playing on his lips. Donovan Dane's cockiness enticed me and heated my core. His grip on my waist tightened, and I was very aware of the fact that my breasts were heaving up and down against his hard chest while my breathing became even more shallow than it already was.

"Mr. Dane," I rasped, placing my hands on his chest.

"Call me Donovan," he said, placing his hand against my cheek. His thumb brushed over my lower lip and I couldn't contain a sigh of pleasure. His eyes darkened, and the man had me in the palm of his hand. I slowly became willing to do anything as long as he satisfied the feelings that constricted within me. I needed him to release them.

"Say my name gem," he growled, the ice in his eyes darkening into a dark blue sea. His hand slowly brushed from my jawline to my neck. The touch was feathery light, but my eyes popped right open as the air within my body wasn't able to leave my lungs. Fear wrapped itself around my throat and Donovan Dane's blue eyes made place for Jake's sharp brown ones. The brownness mocked me for being this weak and their disdainful laugh echoed around the room.

The moment my eyes connected with the blue that Donovan Dane had, he immediately retracted his hand, almost like he had burned himself. "Everly, I didn't...."

I stepped away from him, turning around and wrapping my arms around myself as a form of protection. "I know," I whispered as I tried to fight back the tears that filled my eyes to the brim.

Up until this point, I had hated no one. I thought that wasn't within me, but right now I truly hated Jake. He damaged me. Jake damaged me with his words and actions. I've never felt more broken than I had at this moment. And it was all his fault. A pathetic sob escaped my lips and a feeling of hopelessness washed over me, weighing down on me.

Donovan Dane placed his hand on my shoulder. "Everly look at me." I shook my head as I placed my hands in front of my face and let some of my tears flow freely. My shoulders shook violently, but Donovan Dane's hand stayed confidently in its place. He even placed his other hand on my other shoulder and gave it a comforting squeeze.

Was I embarrassed because I bawled my eyes out in front of Donovan Dane? The man who possessed a coldness from time to time. No. In that moment, I understood the significance of the person you were with. He was different around me and so was I. Around him, I didn't feel the need to always remain strong.

When there weren't any tears left and I calmed down, Donovan Dane turned me around, took me in his arms, and embraced me. Engulfing me into the safety his arms provided. His scent found its way to my nose, and it was a delicious mixture of mint and lemon. His arms wrapped around my small frame forced the tension within my body to leave. He stroked my hair a few times before giving me one last squeeze. Donovan Dane looked at me and smiled.

"I'm sorry," I sniffed.

He chuckled as he wiped my tears away. "It's alright. There is no need to apologize." None of the 'cold' was present now. There was only that sweet man. That man who seemed to peek his head around the corner when he was with me.

"Shall I take you home?" he asked.

I looked down, not wanting to be a bother. He seemed to catch on as he placed his finger underneath my chin and made me look at him. "I don't mind," he whispered.