Page 26 of Meant to Be

‘Knock, knock.’

Swiping at my chin, I brush the hair away from my face that’s waking me from my dream, it feels almost real - Shelby lies sleeping in my arms….

‘BANG, BANG.’

My eyelids spring open, and immediately my gaze drops down at the brown hair that’s bunched under my chin and the sleeping form clinging to my side…

‘BANG, BANG, BANG. Shelby. Open the door.’

Shit. With my hand on her shoulder, I try to rouse her awake, shaking her gently. Moving her hair with my fingers, I kiss her brow and whisper.

“Wake up Shelb…”

Lightly kissing her again, I shake her until she finally moves, and her mother bangs the door again.

“SHELBY.” She shouts, “You had better open this door, madam…”

She bolts up from the bed, “Shit, it’s my mother.”

Chapter Eight

Shelby

“You need to hide. She’ll go mad if she finds you here…”

Jaxon sweeps his arm down the side of the bed and whispers, “Can I get underneath?”

Nodding frantically at him, he rolls from the bed as she bangs again. As soon as he’s out of sight, I unlock the door and open it to an angry looking mum.

“Hey, what’s wrong?”

“Why was the door locked?”

“Erm... I forgot I locked it, then fell asleep.”

I can see her inspecting the room behind me, and I mentally have to remember whether there’s anything of Jaxon’s around that could be on show. Hoping and praying there’s not, I smile at her.

“Why didn’t you answer me in the first place?”

“I was asleep… you woke me up.” I repeat to her.

Her eyes narrow before she gives up.

“I’m doing bangers and mash for dinner. It’ll be ready in about half an hour.”

“Alright.” Before mum has even stepped away from the door, I’m trying to shut it.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” She questions with a frown.

“I’m fine. I’m just tired that’s all.”

She nods and steps away. I quickly shut the door and stand with my back against it until I hear her walking away.

Walking around the bed, I get down on my knees and look underneath.

“She’s gone,” I whisper.

He shuffles to the front, “Thank fuck for that.” He curls his hand around my neck and brings me down to him on the floor bringing my lips to his, kissing them.

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