Chapter 152 The Sisters
"You know I love you, right?" I ask, running my nose along her shoulder. I rub my cheek against hers, needing her touch to keep me sane.
"Yes," she sighs. "I know you love me."
"What can I do to make you happy, Josie?" I ask, feeling so lost right now. I don't know what the hell to do for her that I haven't already done!
"I don't know. Just be with me," she sighs again. She looks like she wants to reach out to me but changes her mind and closes her eyes.
"Little dancer," I whisper, leaning over her body. I'm trying not to make her feel caged in anyway. I want her to feel free to tell me to stop. But she hasn't so far.
She looks up at me with those lost eyes that kill me. There is absolutely no fucking life left in them. I want to see them sparkle again.
"Can I kiss you?" I won't do it if she's scared, but I've been dying to be able to taste her. To make her remember what I taste like. To make her feel something more than just lost and tired.
I see her eyes go wide for a brief second before she nods in agreement.
I lower my lips slowly, just brushing over hers. I tease the heat out of her cold lips, moving mine carefully back and forth across her skin. I don't push for anything, just remind her that I'm right here.
She doesn't pull back or flinch. Instead, she sighs into the kiss.
I take that as a good sign and lick the seam of her lips. I just tease her enough to get her to respond to me.
Slowly she opens for me.
I dip my tongue and start teasing hers. I want her to respond to my touch. It's been so damn long, and I fucking need her. Nothing has changed for me. Not since the day I found her again. I still love her and I'm desperate for her touch.
The only thing that may have changed is the way I'm treating her like a broken doll. But I don't know how else to treat her right now. I want to be able to act like we used to. Where I could touch her like she's my fucking oxygen. But I'm scared to do that right now.
I feel her body soften as she raises her hand, placing it on my heart. For half a second I'm terrified she'd shove me away, but she doesn't. She just leaves it there, feeling my heart pounding against her.
I deepen the kiss, breathing her in. Enjoying the contact, she's allowing me to have. I'm not going to push when that could make things go sideways. Maybe if I'm slow and cautious, I can bring her back to me a little at a time.
I nuzzle her face and place soft kisses along her jaw, and the delicate line of her neck. I'm scared to go any lower yet.
Josie sighs into my neck. I feel her reaching for my hair. It's the first time she's reached for me since she's been home. I'm hoping to God this is a good sign.
I hold her like this for hours, scared to leave her alone. I don't want her to think I'm leaving her.
But as I look at the clock, it's past 6, and I haven't heard from her sisters. I really should go check up on them.
"Jos?" I whisper carefully. I hate that I feel like I'm walking on glass around her. She's so much stronger than this, but right now she's completely broken. I just need to find the right thing to put those pieces of her back together.
"Hm?" she hums.
"I need to go check on your sisters," I whisper, feeling regret sinking inside me. I don't want to leave her, but I can't leave her sisters alone either.
"Okay," she mumbles.
"I'll be right back," I promise, placing a soft kiss on her lips.
She just nods her head and I slip out.
I jog down the hall and knock on the Liv's door but get no answer. So, I knock on Charlie's door. If they aren't here, I'll go check downstairs. I don't want to be gone too long. Just want to check on the girls.
"Come in," Charlie calls out.
I push the door open and I'm surprised to see Liv in here too. She's on Charlies bed sketching something in a notebook while Charlie looks like she's working on some assignment.
"Hey girls. I'm sorry I haven't had a chance to check up on you," I sigh, feeling heavy all of a sudden. I feel guilty, I'm the one who is supposed to be taking care of them, and I've barely seen them in 2 days.
"It's okay," Charlie insists. "We know you need to take care of Jos, she's been through hell, and we are worried about the baby..."
I nod my head in agreement. "Do you two need anything?" I ask. I feel guilty they've been stuck here for so long.
"No. Jeff is making dinner," Liv says, still focusing on her artwork.
My stomach suddenly reminds me that I haven't eaten in hours.
Maybe I should go grab some food for Josie and me. She's got to be hungry too.
I won't take long.