Page 46 of Tank
“Oh,” she said, her face falling as she realized that was exactly what I was trying to do. “Okay. Well, have a good day.”
My heart sank. She was doing her best to put her guard back up and brush me off. I got it, but I didn’t like it.
“No.” I leaned over and kissed her bare shoulder. And yes, she fucking shivered at that. She could pull her mask down all she wanted but her body couldn’t hide her reaction to me. “There are some things I need to take care of. Like, call my mom, for one. I haven’t really talked to her since I’ve been up here. I figured it was time to call her and let her know I’m, ya know, alive and alright.”
As I said those words I actually felt the truth in them. Like when I actually got around to making that call to my mom and I told her that, it might be believable.
“You don’t owe me an explanation,” she said in a normal tone. There was nothing sarcastic or bitter behind her words and for some reason, I didn’t like it.
I opened my mouth to tell her that I would be back. That our time together meant something to me and that I wasn’t ready to walk away from her. Even the thought of telling her that I wanted to see where this could go crossed my mind. But I couldn’t say any of that just yet. The reality of it was that I still had shit to figure out and I needed to do all that before I put it all out there for her. I had a feeling that I would only get one chance to do that and I better make it fucking count because she wasn’t the kind of woman that would give second chances. So if I had even a sliver of uncertainty then it was best to hold off for the right time.
“Iwillsee you soon. I promise.” And I meant it. Even if my destiny took me in the opposite direction from her I would at least make sure to tell her bye.
She gave me a small smile and considering she wasn’t one to smile at all, I took it as a good thing. I pulled her in for a kiss, lingering as long as I could without it turning into something more. Don’t get me wrong, I would have gladly slipped back into those covers and slid into her amazing pussy, but now was not the time.
I got dressed as fast as I could, my clothes were dry but stiff from being soaked with rainwater. Then I headed to the door, giving her one last, long look taking in her naked state and her wild, long hair. I couldn’t believe I was about to leave this stripped beauty in front of me behind. I must have been a dumb fuck to walk away from that.
My eyes met hers and I smiled impishly at the curious look she was shooting my way. Then I turned, my feet feeling as if I was trudging through tar, and walked out the door letting it close behind me.
Once I was safely inside the cabin, I began to pace. The previous day had been hard. I hadn’t had a drop of alcohol and I did the best to shake off the tremors I felt in my body. I wouldn’t say that I didn’t think about drinking while I had been with Dya. I think we all know that would be a lie. But I didn’t want to break whatever bubble we were in to drown myself.
I downed a huge glass of water, trying to quench the thirst that seemed to be as deep as my soul. I just needed to focus on something else. So, despite the urge to put off calling my mom, I didn’t.
“It’s about damn time you called me.” Were the first words out of her mouth when she answered. I chuckled lowly, realizing that I had missed her.
“I’m sorry, Mom,” I said after her huffy breath became quieter.
“When the hell are you coming home, Noah?” Her question made my whole body freeze.
Could I go home? And if I could, was I even ready to do so?
There were too many memories I’d left behind, but there were also great people there, too. And just like that the decision was made, I needed to go home. There was only one major thing holding me back.Dya.As I thought about the look on her face when I’d left her not too long ago I knew it was going to be hard. I couldn’t leave without a goodbye, but how could I even walk away from her? She had saved me. In some small way, she had been the sexy voice of reason whispering in my ear keeping me from giving over into the darkness.
“Soon,” I said in a daze.
“There’s something you’re not telling me,” she said.
“It’s nothing. I’ll be home soon.” I had meant to say something else, but a noise outside the cabin caught my attention. “I gotta go, Mom.” I hung up before she even had the chance to argue or tell me bye.
A strange tingle shot up my spine and I looked around for my gun, only I had no idea where I’d left it last. I slowed my breathing and tried my best to listen, to hear the noise again, but it was silent.
“Night, night, motherfucker,” an unfamiliar nasally voice said from right behind me as I felt the prick of a needle in my neck.
