Page 25 of Judas

Judas leaned toward her, "Eliza, are you ok—"

Eliza pounced on him like a hungry lioness. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she kissed his lips in frenzied passion. Running her tongue around the curve of his ear and down his neck, she struggled to untuck his shirt.

Shock pervaded Judas's brain as his lips immediately returned her affections. He wanted to feel those pillows of desire all over him again, but in the same instant, a thought crossed his mind and he pulled away. His woody eyes gazed over her. As much as he wanted this woman, and as fun as he thought the idea was in the beginning, he would be damned if she would use him as a pawn in a power struggle with her father. He found himself caring for her more than he rightfully should and she deserved more than just fun for retribution's sake. She tried to kiss him again.

"Eliza, stop. What are you doing?" he frowned, placing the drink back on the table.

Blush flooded her face, "I…uhh-"

"Look, I understand you're mad at your dad, but I don't think this is the way to get back at him. Not this time," he whispered.

Eliza stared blankly as she slowly backed away, regret filling her soul, "I should go."

"No. Don't," Judas latched onto her hand. "Look…I know you miss what we had as badly as I do. Every single day I have a hardtime keeping my eyes off you or my thoughts…work-related." He paused. "But, I want this to be right…not something we'll throw away. And not as a way to get back at him anymore. No games. Please…stay…let's just…talk. Let me knowyou."

Eliza's heart lightened. A small fear had been gnawing at her that this beautiful man was going to disappear in the middle of the night only to be a memory. She knew she hated breaking their connection and she hoped he felt the same, but until now, she wasn't sure.

Her arm relaxed in his hold as she stared at her hand in his.

"What do you want to know?" her heart beat faster. She never really knew a man who took a genuine interest in her and her life.

Judas smoothed his fingers over her soft skin, and laughed nervously, "Everything. Suddenly, I'm not sure what to ask."

With no awkward transition, no uncertainty, she found herself slipping back into the ease of their relationship. Just like that, being with him felt effortless again. Eliza pursed her lips in a delicate smirk, "Have you ever played Truth or Dare?"

"No," he looked at her suspiciously.

"Seriously? Not even as a kid?"

Judas shook his head, "I had a…sheltered childhood."

Eliza shrugged, "Well, the rules are pretty simple. You ask the person if they want to answer a question truthfully or take a dare."

"What kind of dare?" he narrowed his eyes on her.

"Well…anything. Like…I could dare you to run naked in your hallway outside," she took another sip from her glass. "Here, I'll go first; truth or dare?"

"Truth."

"Okay," she looked around the dim room, "What's with all the candles? Did you forget to pay your electric bill?"

Judas erupted in laughter, "No…I just…like it, I guess. It sets a mood."

It was the best he could offer. Telling her that he has spent more time without electricity than with it wasn't the conversation he was ready to have. At least, not yet, and probably never. Besides the fact he was serious; he genuinely enjoyed the feeling of candlelight.

"Sure does," she giggled. "Okay, your turn."

"Truth or dare?"

"Uhhhmmm…" she teased coyly. "Truth."

"Tell me about the tattoo," Judas's dark eyebrow arched. “The whole story.”

Eliza grinned, "Now, how did I know you would ask that?" She didn’t admit she knew because he traced it gently with his fingers every time they had been together.

He shrugged.

Relaxing against the soft back of the sofa, she took a deep breath, "I'd like to tell you one of those cool stories about how a bunch of girlfriends and I got drunk one weekend and woke up to new body art. But, like most everything else I do…it was well planned."

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