Endgame (rough draft)

Part 25

"Sometimes our thoughts are backed with so much insecurity that they create lies we believe."

The deepest darkest secrets that were meant to be unspoken easily escaped Rachel's lips. Although she only knew Christen for a short amount of time, she was able to be comfortable around him. To her surprise, she was able to enjoy hiking with Christen and Sophia without the fear of him bringing up her past. It was as if he knew nothing of her embarrassing past. Although she was thankful for Christen not judging her, she was feared that he would betray her trust.

As the days slowly went on, Rachel found herself growing close to the Henderson's. The way they interacted with each other was something she was not used to. Slowly, Rachel noticed that she would smile more and her laugh was genuine. 

Rachel shook her head to aid in clearing her mind. Yet, the action did nothing as her mind continued to race with the endless possibilities of the what if's.

A simple touch from Elijah and Hunter sent surges throughout Rachel's body on a regular. Her heartbeat would race as if she was on a drug. Rachel's eyes would drop as she found herself leaning into their comforting touch. 

Rachel traced the outline of her lips that seemed to be the men favorite feature. 

She would assume that her lovers would come into her room late at night, wanting her body. Yet, they would often surprise her by cuddling while engaging in a stimulating conversation.  A simple touch would bring the most satisfying smile to their faces. 

Rachel's heart began to race as she raked her fingers through her coils, mocking Elijah's movements. She traced her features, trying to see what they see in her.

For the life of her, Rachel was unable to recognize the woman staring back at her. As she braided her hair into two fishtail braids, she tried to understand the meaning behind her true feelings. If Rachel was simply having fun with both Elijah and Hunter, why would she yearn for their touch when they weren't around? She sighed heavily as she exited her temporary room and walked towards Elijah's room. Rachel could see a bright light from up under the door and figured he was working late again. She hesitated momentarily before she stopped herself. 

As selfish as she felt, Rachel, turned the knob and walked into the spacious room.  

With his back to the headboard and a stack of papers in his hand, Elijah was reading intently. She couldn't deny that the man was attractive in every way. To the way, he talked to the way he tried to hide his bright smile. Closing the door behind her, she slowly walked to the bed. 

"I did not hear you enter. Are you okay?" Elijah stated without looking up from the stack of papers. It was rare for Rachel to come to him on her own. When he noticed that Rachel hadn't responded to him, he casually looked up.  A series of emotions overshadowed Rachel's features as she gazed down at him. 

Instead of responding, she gently pushed his arm aside and straddled his lap. Snuggling against his body, she tucked her nose into the crook of his neck, she slowly inhaled and exhaled. 

Elijah welcomed the silence as he went back to reading the proposal for an upcoming fashion show. He rubbed soothing circles on her back, listening to her light breathing. Ignoring the sound of his door slowly creaking open, he continued reading. 

Leaning back in the chair, Christen took a swig of his glass of Whiskey. He observed how intensively Elijah soothed Rachel. His jaw clenched as he cleared his throat.

"Is there something on your mind, little brother?"

"Just wondering if Rachel one of your play toys or someone you actually care for."