Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 24894 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 124(@200wpm)___ 100(@250wpm)___ 83(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24894 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 124(@200wpm)___ 100(@250wpm)___ 83(@300wpm)
I need space from everyone and the noise. My emotions are overwhelming, and I’m not sure how I truly feel right now. I enter my bedroom and push the lock before I lean against the door. I swipe at the tears that slide down my cheeks now that I’m alone.
“I hate when you cry.” I gasp at the deep rumble of Keaton’s voice. It’s changed some, but I’d know that sound anywhere.
“Lights on.” My bedroom floods with light, and there Keaton is sitting on the bench in front of my bed. How did he get up here before me? He might have slipped around the side or something, but what does that matter now? “I’m not crying.” I’ve already wiped the tears away so he can’t tell.
“I saw them.”
“Key, it was pitch black in here.” That’s the only response I can muster because he’s right.
“Who’s the guy in the bow tie?”
Is that really what he’s asking me right now? And why is the only thought in my head about how good he looks in that damn suit? He never filled out his debate suit that way. He really has changed, but it seems like we both have.
“Maybe if you’d been around, you’d know.”
“He’s the party planner.” He answers his own question.
“Then why are you asking me?” What the hell is happening here? Is this all a weird dream or did I drink too much champagne at the party and now I’m hallucinating?
“He touches you, and I don’t like it.”
I close my eyes and take a calming breath. I’m sure on the outside I seem to be controlling my anger, but on the inside I’m relishing his jealousy. Then another thought occurs to me. When could he have seen Oliver ever touch me?
“That's really none of your business anymore. Besides, I'm not really his type,” I respond as I open my eyes.
“I don’t care who you are or what fucking planet you’re from, you’re everyone’s type.” I swear his eyes flash brighter for a moment, but it’s gone as quickly as I thought I saw it.
I know one thing: Keaton really believes what he’s saying. In a weird way it’s sweet because he can’t see anyone not wanting me. If that’s true, then why did he leave me?
“Six years, Key. Clearly you haven’t wanted me.”
I gasp when the next thing I know Keaton is in front of me. He’s not touching me but I’m caged against my door. His body is so close I can feel the heat pouring off him.
“I’ve always wanted you, even before I knew what that meant.”
“You have a funny way of showing it.” I’m trying to keep my bravado, but it’s hard when my body is waking up from a deep slumber. I can’t decipher whose body heat is whose now.
“You know more than most that life can throw a curveball.”
He’s right. I do. One day, I had two loving parents that were mine, and in the blink of an eye, it was all gone. I was left all alone and thrust into the system until the Walkers took me in.
“You’re right. I lost the only people I ever loved until you made me love you. Then poof, all alone again.”
“Elsy.” He drops his head forward, and I think he’s going to press it against mine, but he stops right before then.
“I hate you,” I hiss as I stare at his mouth. I want him to kiss me, but what I should be doing is smacking him again.
“And I love you.”
“Key.” My voice cracks as he leans down and his mouth gently touches mine in a feather-like kiss.
He sucks in a deep breath, and I can almost feel the vibration in his chest. “I’m starting to think you’re the key.”
Chapter Six
KEATON
Calm isn’t something I’ve been in the last six years, but here with Elsy in my arms, that’s all I feel. Maybe part of me always knew this would happen, but I’ve been too afraid of hurting her to go after her. Until now.
“What does that mean?” Her eyes are so bright that I can see the hope in them.
“It means you’re still mine, Elsy.”
I cut off her next question when my lips connect with hers. This time when I kiss her, I pull her fully against me and into my arms. I should be careful and go slowly, but all I can think about is never letting her go. The kiss is more than I ever imagined, and as her mouth glides over mine, I moan in pleasure.
Before I know what’s happening, I’ve got her on the bed, and I’m on top of her. My hands are pushing her legs apart so I can get between them, and now she’s the one that’s moaning. Her fingers go in my hair, and her tongue licks mine. It’s dirty and hot, and I wonder if she’s been thinking of this moment as long as I have.