Page 25 of Guarded By Death

"I know, I mean it's only Liv, but I was just worried you accidentally saw her," I shrug, and he holds my hand tighter.

"No, definitely not. I always choose a safe place when I go to someone’s home." He chuckles.

"When did you leave though?" I ask curiously.

He laughs. "You were tying your shoe."Oh, I nod at him. Still, in awe of all he can do, and all the things I'm clueless about.

"Your mood changed, what happened back there?" I gesture behind us like we weren't just in another country.

"I'm sorry, I just... the night was going so well I felt like something was going to happen by how happy I felt. I didn't mean to let my guard down." His shoulder slumps in defeat.

I shake my head, caressing his arm with my hand. "Don't apologize, I get it. But I also know that you are capable of protecting me so don't worry about me. If something were to have happened, we could have handled it," I say reassuringly. "Plus, I had a really good time tonight," I add with a shy smile.

He cranes his neck to get a better look at my face. "I have to leave for a couple of days so just spend time with Liv and be safe." My heart sinks at the thought of not seeing him for a couple of days, we haven't been apart since we met. Which was such a short time ago. Days even, but my God it feels like I've known him so much longer.

Fourteen

You look happy

Idon't know what he does when he's not with me, and I try not to think about it. "Don't go, why are you leaving?" I ask hesitantly.

"I just have some stuff to take care of." He assures me as he rubs his hand over my cheek. "If you need me, I'll know," he adds as he leans down to place a soft kiss on my lips.

The subtle gesture makes my heart flutter, which in turn makes him smile. I want to know the extent of our bond. Does he know when his slightest touch makes my skin burn in the best way? Or when his deep, but smooth as silk voice runs through me like a warm blanket on a cold day making everything better?

The words fly out before I can stop them. "Do you only like me because of the bond? Is that why I feel so strongly about you in such a short time? I don't understand all of these feelings Pierce, I never let anyone get this close to me. Ever," I admit. I stare into his eyes so that my nerves will calm down.

He wraps me in a tight hug. "My feelings for you are purely natural, I promise. It's not me that you should be worried about," he whispers into my ear, his voice cracking slightly.

I lean back to examine his solemn expression. "Me?" I question.

"I, well, I don't know. I’ve never held the bond with someone for long and surely not in this way. I don't know how it works long term, but I sense that your lack of common sense about staying away from me has something to do with the bond.” He guesses.

That isn't possible, maybe it is? I'm not sure, all I know is that every thought I have had since I met him has been engulfed with everything Pierce. Nothing can change that, not by him breaking the bond. The feelings I feel for him are so strong though, a primal sense to be with him at all times.

I realize I'm just standing here, staring into his eyes. The intimate moment makes me flush. "Nothing will change my mind, Pierce," I whisper to him as he draws me closer once more.

"I hope not," he whispers into my hair so quietly I can't be sure he said anything.

He releases me from his arms, and a high-pitched screech sounds behind me. I look over Pierce's shoulder to see Liv standing on the porch practically jumping out of her slippers, her hair wrapped tightly in a towel and a fluffy plush robe around her.

I playfully roll my eyes and look back at Pierce, he's smiling at me, his eyes never roaming from my face. It's as if he's memorizing every detail as he ignores Liv’s embarrassing outburst. I pull him in for a goodnight kiss and soon after our lips part, I hear a whistle come from the porch, that's my cue. I laugh as I pull away, he lets go of my hand but looks at me with a fierce expression.

"I know he's your friend, but could you please try and stay in with Liv and just have girl time for a couple of nights?" It’s not really a question, more of a demand. I know he’s talking about Zack, but after everything we’ve been through, I nod in agreement. It's not Zack I'm worried about, but I don't need to go to a party with a bunch of strangers without Pierce. I can just wait for him to come back.

He leans in for one last kiss before disappearing into the night.

I walk up the stairs towards a very enthusiastic Liv. "Tell me everything!" she sings eagerly as she grabs my hand and rushes us inside. The longing in my heart from Pierce leaving for a few days' hurts, but Liv's excitement lightens my mood.

I plop down on her soft comforter after changing into a pair of fuzzy pajamas. She brings in two big mugs of hot chocolate, our favorite, brimming with sweet whipped cream and a signature chocolate drizzle that threatens to drip down the side. We make this even when it's ninety degrees outside, it's our thing.

I quickly down the sweet drink and set the empty glass on the nightstand. I can't stop smiling and she notices. "So where was his car? I saw him walk onto the street?" Her usual nosy demeanor shouldn't catch me off guard, but it does.

"I umm... He parked down the street?" The words tumble out and sound like more of a question than an answer.

She gives me a puzzled look, "Why would he do that?"Great, backtrack Scarlett. I suck at lying.

"Well, I'm not sure exactly. I think he wanted to walk with me a little bit. We had a big dinner," I groan, clutching my very full stomach.

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