Leather and Lace (Editing)

Chapter 24

Chapter 24

His hands roamed my body delicately as I looked up into his hungry blue eyes, looking at me like I was the only thing he wanted.

He picked me up gently and I automatically wrapped my legs around his waste as he leaned me down on to the bed. He never once looked away from me and I was locked in a deep trance, lost in those wonderful kind blue eyes that were only filled with love.

He moved his lips to my neck and slowly placed sweet kisses long my jaw line while I laced my fingers through his hair longingly.

I couldn't help but close my eyes and let out a soft moan as he trailed his hand up my leg teasingly.

"Ian..." I sighed, opening my eyes.

Into darkness.

I sat up quickly, searching the bed for any trace of Ian.

Nothing.

I let out the air I hadn't even realized I had been holding and started to breath properly again.

It had seemed so real... Even my subconscious was playing tricks on me now, showing me what I really wanted but wouldn't admit to.

I needed to clear my mind and unfortunately going back to sleep wasn't the way to do that anymore.

I rose to my feet and felt my way around the room until I found the light, switching it on and making my way out into the hall, into the large kitchen.

It was still dark but there was a small lamp in the corner that was already on, giving everything a soft glow.

I sighed loudly, images of Ian's hands caressing my skin lightly. His memorizing eyes looking down at me, his soft kisses... I shook my thoughts away and turned the tap on, splashing my face with ice cold water.

"Couldn't sleep?" his deep voice rumble behind me. I almost jumped out of my skin and had to stop myself from screaming.

"You scared the hell out of me!" I whispered, angrily hitting his arm.

All he did was shrug and smile half heartily.

"I'm sorry if I woke you... I just couldn't sleep." I mumble the last bit, remembering his body crushed to mine... Snap out of it Anna!

"No, don't worry about it. I usually get up now and then, you know... just some alone time.."

He looked tired. His face wasn't the same as I remembered. He just seemed more... Vulnerable.

"Well I don't want to intrude on it then." I stated, smiling kindly and taking a few steps towards the hall.

I felt his hand grip mine and sighed at the familiar tingles that accompanied it.

"Actually, I've been wanting to talk to you."

I turned around and nodded, trailing behind him to the counter and sat down.

"I just wanted to know... If what you said the other day... was it really true?" He asked slowly, looking at me carefully.

"You'll have to refresh my mind." I could feel a slight blush coating my face and looked away. I knew exactly what he meant.

"Come on Anna, you know what I mean." He was looking at me strange, almost like he was studying my face for any trace of a lie.

My first instinct was to lie, lash out and hide away from these foreign emotions but what was the point? I love him. There was no more denying it, wether he felt the same or not...

I sighed and could already feel my blush deepening at the thought of opening up. "I suppose... Yeah."

He looked sad and I immediately regretted saying anything but it was like I just had to get everything out, I was finally ready to tell the truth.

He sighed and was about to say something but I shushed him and started talking. I felt like he needed to know, before he told me that he didn't feel the same way.

"Just please, before you say anything, I want you to know that you've changed me Ian. I've never been like this before. You make me feel like some giddy teenager with a crush. I know I'm not good enough for you, I'll never be able to live up to that and I know you don't feel anything towards me, trust me I totally get that and I don't want you to feel obligated. I understand you have a new life and a future. I'm just so grateful you have shown me how to love someone as much as I love you-" I couldn't help it, my voice broke as a tear ran down my face.

He crashed his lips to mine with so much passion and longing I had ever felt then pulled away, but only to look into my eyes.

"You don't think I feel anything towards you?" He asked as if it was stupid and caressed my face softly, wiping away my tear. "You mean everything to me Bell. I love YOU. No one else."

I sat there, too astonished to even move. "Y..you love me...?"

"Forever Bell." he murmured brushing the hair from my eyes gently, then bringing my lips to his softly. It was sweet, not fueled by passion and adrenaline but pure love.

I reluctantly pulled away but wrapped my arms around his neck, not ready to let go. "What now?"

He sighed and looked sad again. "Anna, I can't leave Olivia alone in this."

"I know." I nodded and leaned my head on his chest, treasuring the moment while it lasted. "Just tell me one thing?"

"Of course."

"If things had of turned out different... Would you be with me?"

"With all my heart." he kissed the top of my head and held me closer.

I nodded and reluctantly unwrapped myself from him, taking a step back.

"I should go.." I murmured and could see the sadness in his face as he smiled lightly and nodded.

"Go get some sleep."

I walked away, hiding the pain I felt in my heart until I was back in my room, wrapped in the soft blankets then let the tears roll down my face.

But I kept in mind what he said. If things were different, he would be with me.

And I was going to make it my personal mission to find out Miss perfects secret.

It might just help me turn the tables.

*****

So what did you think? The cats out of the bag now.

But I guess it's still a bit bitter sweet...

What do you think Olivia's secret is that might just be enough to get her out of the picture?

Let me know! :)

P.s

Sorry about the late updated but I haven't had the time to write lately. I'm hoping to finish this before Christmas though because I'm going to Queensland for a while and don't want to leave the story un updated for so long.

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Thanks.