Page 42 of Forged in Flames (Made of Steel 2)

"Because I can't give you more than this. And it's not nearly enough."

I pulled his face away from my neck. "Why do you get to decide what I deserve? What if I want to be with you?"

He put his forehead against mine and didn't say a word. It was almost as if he was trying to read my thoughts. "You can't choose me." His voice sounded strained and he took a step back from me. "You just can't." It was as if he could hear me asking "why?" again even though I hadn't opened my mouth to speak. "It's late. You need to get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a long day." He walked away from me and over to one of the locked doors.

A moment ago he wanted me. And now he was telling me that I couldn't be with him. He was so hot and cold. It was impossible to read him.

I wat

ched as he wrapped his fingers around the doorknob. A moment later there was a clicking noise and the door opened. I stood up and followed him, knowing full well that I didn't really have a choice. I stopped as soon as I stepped into the room and stared at the single king-sized bed. No pictures. No decorations.

He opened up one of the drawers of his dresser and pulled out a t-shirt. He walked over to me and placed it in my hand. "Let me know if there is anything else you need."

"I can sleep on the couch."

He shook his head. "I need to keep an eye on Eli anyway. Goodnight, Sadie."

"Why do you keep calling me that? You know that my real name is Summer."

He turned away from me. "Athena, lights off."

The room turned completely dark as V shut the door behind him.

How could I be so angry at him yet want him so badly? I sat down on the edge of the bed and lay backwards. The sheets smelled like him. I closed my eyes and let his scent waft over me. Borrowed time. It was as if he knew who I was going to end up with. And it wasn't him. Why did that thought make me so sad? I didn't know anything about him.

I shook my head. That wasn't true. I knew that he cared about me. There was nothing more important to me than that. I opened my eyes. The room was pitch black. He had left me all alone in my darkness. The thought made my chest hurt.

"Athena, lights on."

"Access denied," said the computerized voice.

I closed my eyes again, trying to block out the room. And I had this overwhelming sense that I understood what V was talking about. What if I didn't end up with him because I didn't end up with anyone? What if I was the one living on borrowed time?

Chapter 18

Monday

I slowly opened my eyes. The room was still dark, but there was some light filtering in under the door. I rubbed my eyes as I sat up. No wonder it was pitch black in here last night. I hadn't realized it before, but there wasn't a single window in V's bedroom.

I had slept surprisingly well. Better than I had in weeks. Maybe because I felt truly safe for the first time since moving to New York. No one could get in or out of V's lair. And even if they could, they wouldn't be able to get past him and figure out how to get into this room. I was glad that I stayed. I needed rest. Just like he said. He seemed to know everything about me.

Pushing the sheets back, I climbed out of bed. I had changed into the t-shirt he had given me. Part of me didn't want to take it off. The material was soft against my skin and it smelled like him. I could wear it for a few more minutes at least. I desperately needed a shower. I rummaged around the dark bedroom until I found the clothes I had been wearing last night.

Hopefully Eli and V were still sleeping. I balled up my clothes and opened up the door. I tiptoed out and quietly closed the door behind me.

Someone cleared their throat and I dropped my clothes as I turned around.

Eli and V were calmly sitting at the kitchen counter eating bowls of cereal. Staring at me. More specifically, staring at my very exposed legs. The t-shirt was so short that it barely covered my ass.

"Sorry," I mumbled as I bent down and gathered my clothes back up. "Um, is it okay if I take a shower?" I pulled at the hem of the t-shirt so I wouldn't accidentally flash them. I've already seen you naked, if you recall. V's words from last night started to echo around in my head.

V pointed to the bathroom that I had already found last night. "Of course. Make yourself at home."

Eli dropped his spoon in his bowl and it made a loud clattering noise. He pushed the bowl away. "I have to get to class. I'll see you in psychology, Summer."

I was glad that someone was referring to me by my real name. "You're still going?"

"My cover hasn't been blown. We need to pretend that everything is normal."

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