Forty

He grinned. “Special huh?” he said lightly but I could see the curiosity in his eyes. An unanswered question lingering in the depths of his soulless eyes. "Didn't you find boys interesting?

I almost laughed. "That's the problem they didn't find me attractive. And that's besides the point even if they did I wouldn't have been interested."

"It makes no sense. Why are you interested in me then?."

"That's your problem - you don't see yourself very clearly."

"No one?" His voice was distant; his eyes stared at my face as though he were searching for something, then he cocked his head to the side, frowned and then shook his head before finally sighing and slumped his shoulders in defeat.

"No one before you,"

"Really?"

“Now I’ve met someone – no – something special.”

He grimaced. “You and me both,”

“Right,” I rolled my eyes.

“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t find you attractive.” He began.

I waited.

“And don’t even think it’s because of the bond. Elizabeth, you’re intelligent, funny, smart and very beautiful. Any man wouldn’t help but fall hopelessly in love with you, demon or not.”

“You say the right things, Bradley Carter.”

Suddenly, I couldn’t feel the air biting icily against my exposed skin. I looked around me, we were in my room.

“Elizabeth, open this darn door now!” My mother was saying, her voice simultaneously angry and worried. My mother's fist banged against the door. "Elizabeth?" she called.

I dragged my feet and turned the lock on my door. She was inside before I could invite her in.

I hoped she couldn't see the frenzied edge on my eyes, desperately looking around for Bradley; of course he was gone, leaving no trace that he’d been here to begin with.

Jennie turned on the light.

The brightness hurt my eyes.

“You’re alone.” She said, surprised.

“Why are you banging on my door at this hour?” I mumbled, my words were rushed and I couldn't keep my eyes from wondering to the door impatiently “Who else would be here?”

That seemed to fuel her suspicion. “I was hoping to borrow a dress.” She lied, not waiting for me to answer, she walked to my closet and opened it, a disappointed look painted her face when she didn’t find a boy hiding there.

“Sure.” I mumbled.

“Actually I was hoping we could talk.”

I frowned tapping my foot impatiently on the floor. “Sure.”

“You seem distracted.”

“Eer...what, no.”

“Oh.” She moaned. “I wanted to apologise for slapping you.”

“You always say this but you don't mean it. Mom I'm not your personal punching bag.”

“Elizabeth, I…”

“No mom, I've heard it all before.” I worked to sound polite. "That's why I find it so hard to talk to you, you're an unexpended ticking bomb, and anything I say could be too much for you.”

“I’ll go shower.” She mumbled. She was running away. After all she was good at it, only now I hoped she wouldn't find comfort in a bottle of whiskey.

I nodded.

She eyed me sceptically.

The second the door closed behind her, I ran to my window and leaned into the violet sky – it was going to be sunny again today. The sun was slowly creeping up on the east wing, the sky orange and dark at the edges. I smiled. It was beautiful.

"Bradley?" I whispered, feeling utterly foolish.

The gentle, amused answer came from right behind me.

"Mm?"

I twirled, my eyes frightened, my heart beating fast. I hadn’t expected him to be so close.

"Ah!" I exhaled my breath shaking unsteadily as a hand flew over my racing heart. “You startled me.”

He stood, grinning massively, leaning against the windowsill, his arms crossed over his chest, looking beautiful in the morning sun than anyone had the right to. Perfectly at ease.

"My apologise princess." He said through clenched teeth as he tried to hide his laughter. A low sound escaped, he covered it with a cough.

"So glad I can amuse you." I mumbled sarcastically.

He leaned forward slowly, cautious not to startle me again. He placed his hand over my racing heart and leaned his face towards me, he then inhaled against my neck. He placed slow, gentle kisses from my cheek down my chin stopping in the hallow of my neck to nibble gently. I lost my will to breathe and all my senses. I could feel nothing but the tender caress of his touch. The heat radiating from his body sending an electrical fever dancing in my veins. When he pulled away he stared at me with such blistering gaze that I couldn't nearly resist closing my eyes and getting lost in the sweet haven of his radiant semi smile. He pushed my hair back and accidentally touched my nape I tried to stifle my shiver as an electric current shocked my veins and paralyzed my mind. He was looking at me with such tenderness my heart ached. He stared down at me, his eyes half-hooded as though I was a mirage that would soon disappear. When he looked at me like this - like I was the only thing on earth worth his attention - I felt an overwhelming edge to close my eyes, he could see my very soul. I felt wobbly.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered again, meaning it this time.

I leaned back, away from him.

He froze. “Did I startle you?” he asked.

“No.” I answered slightly breathless. “You’re killing me.” I said, placing my hand over his, still on my chest. My heart was working hyperactively.

“Really?” he asked content.

“How about a standing ovation?” my voice dripped off sarcasm.

He laughed. “You can’t boost a man’s ego and expect him not to rub it in” he teased. “You see…” he was serious now. “I’ve never imagined that my life could turn out like this. I never believed that I could find someone I wanted to spend every minute of my existence with. Seeing as I'm a demon, I didn't know you existed. Someone created solemnly for me. I never thought someone would respond the way you do to me, or someone could affect me the way you do. I’ve never been good with girls.” He admitted. “I didn’t think there ever could be anyone I would want to do… things with. This is all new to me.”

“You’re perfect at it.” I mumbled. “I can hardly tell.”

"Your heart seems to have calmed down?"

"Are you crazy? – when is my heart ever calm when you’re around."

He laughed.

We stood like that for a long silent minute and then he smiled, suddenly but gently removing his hand, my hands fell limply at my sides. He beckoned with his index finger for me to follow him as he walked slowly to the bed with his back turned to it. He sat down on the edge, watching me with predatory eyes. I gulped.

When I was standing over him, he took my hand and kissed it.

“It’s not fair.” I whispered.

He stared at me in confusion. “What?”

“Your touch is nefarious.”

“I don’t do you anything you don’t do to me.”

And then the door flew open. My mother stood with a hand on her waist. Thankfully Bradley was gone – that old creepy man, he’d done this on purpose. He knew mom was coming here, he didn’t tell me.

“Mom, you definitely should start knocking.” I yelled.

“Come down for breakfast.” She said completely disregarding me.

“I’m not hungry.” And I wasn’t.

“You’re still in the clothes you wore yesterday.” She accused.

I didn’t answer.

“Your bed is still made.” She mumbled her eyes wide with suspicion.

“Mom, I slept on the chair, I was doing my assignment.” I lied. “I’m coming.”

She gave me a meaningful look before disappearing. I knew she didn't believe me but I assumed she was avoiding a nasty conversation because my guard was already up, ready to defend myself.

When I looked back at my room Bradley was suddenly sitting in the same exact position as before. He beamed at me.

“I’ll be right back.”

His smile thinned. I couldn’t help but wonder if the sudden change in his expression was due to me leaving. I couldn’t understand the pain I felt when I thought of being away from him even for a second.

“Is it supposed to feel like this?” I asked.

“What? “He mused. “First love?”

I shook my head, “No, truelove.”

He sighed. “I suppose. Feels good doesn’t it?”

I smiled my response. It felt wonderful. “Promise to stay.”

“As if I plan on leaving,” He mumbled. “That’s a choice I wouldn’t be able to make. Leaving you.”

I kissed my index finger and placed it on his lips. They trembled. I smiled.

“I’m only human.” He joked.

I winked.

I descended the stairs two at a time, the faster I was done with breakfast; the sooner I could see his dazzling face again.

“I didn’t know you listened to Dionne Warwick.” Jennie said when I entered the kitchen

“What?” I had no idea what she was talking about.

“You’re singing her song.”

“I’m singing?”

“That’s strange indeed. I didn’t know you could sing. You seem to know every line.” She said. “Whisper in the dark.” She reflected to herself.

I recognised the song as the one that usually played in Bradley’s car. It was his favourite.

Jennie fried eggs for herself; I had a slice of toast with milk. Swallowing before I could chew properly. I chocked and gunned down the glass of milk Jennie had poured for herself.