Page 33 of Keep Me Safe

“God, Kira, I wish it was that simple.”

He sounds frustrated, and the look in his eyes tells me he’s fighting himself.

“What does that mean?”

“It doesn’t matter,” he says. “Watch the movie.”

I don’t argue because I don’t know what to say. What does he mean by that?

I lean my head on the back of the couch, looking up at the TV. I know that nothing can happen between us, so why does it bother me so much?

He’s Jared’s dad and almost twenty years older than me. I let out a long breath and sink further into the cushion. My leg brushes Noah’s, and he takes a sharp breath.

He doesn’t say anything, but I feel him pull away. Ignoring the sting of rejection, I grab a throw pillow and lay down with my head on the opposite end of the couch. I cover up with the blanket. I try to straighten my legs, but he’s in the way, and myfoot brushes his thigh.

“Sorry!” I say, tucking my legs away from him.

He looks down at me, his eyes soft.

“It’s fine,” he sighs, picking up my feet and laying them in his lap.

As we watch the movie, his thumb traces lazy circles on the arch of my foot. I’m not sure he even realizes he’s doing it, but it feels incredible, so I don’t say anything. I don’t want him to stop.

chapter ten

noah

I know I shouldn’t be touching her. What I’m doing isn’t inherently inappropriate, but the look of pure pleasure on her face makes it feel that way. Her eyes flutter closed as she lets herself relax. It’s so tempting to move my hands up her legs, but I don’t.

This I can control myself.

After a while, her breathing evens out, and soft snores sound from the other side of the couch. Her face is so peaceful like this. I think back to what she said earlier.

You don’t see me like that.

I wish that were the truth. It would make it so much easier. I shouldn’t see her like that. She’s practically a kid still and doesn’t need me looking at her like I want to fuck her. But god damn, she is beautiful, and her strength is incredible.

The movie ends, and the credits roll on the screen. I grab the remote and shut it off. Glancing back at Kira, I wonder if I should let her sleep there. The couch isn’t very comfy, but I can’t bring myself to wake her up.

Sliding my hands under her, I pull her to my chest, picking her up. She stirs a little, her head nuzzling into my neck.

“Shh, it’s okay. I’m just bringing you up to bed.”

I ignore the fact that I wish it were my bed. Carefully, I walk up the stairs to her room. She’s so soft and smells like strawberries mixed with a warm summer night. I lay her gently into her bed, bringing the comforter up around her. The moon shines inthrough her window, illuminating the side of her face. I don’t think she realizes how stunning she is.

I force myself to leave the room before I can do anything I’d regret. Lying down in my bed, I sigh. I can’t believe she would think I’m not attracted to her.

Out of nowhere, a scream pierces the air from across the hall, followed by another. My mind immediately goes to Kira. I shoot out of bed, rushing to the door. What if someone’s in there? If they hurt her, they’re dead.

I hurl her door open, seeing her still lying in bed. I survey the room, not seeing anyone. Still, I search every corner, making sure no one is there. Kira’s body twists on the bed. She’s still asleep. Is she having a nightmare?

I slowly move toward the bed and sit down next to her. She pinches her brows together. She looks terrified. I reach out to touch her, grabbing her arm.

“Kira, it’s okay.”

She pulls away, screaming. Without thinking, I grab both her arms, trying to wake her up. She fights me.

“No, please!” her face twists. “Please, don’t!”

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