Chapter 35 — Just breathe
Amara:
The dance is incredible. It seems as if everyone from Arcata is here. I know that most of the school is here. Carrick and Haley showed up earlier dressed to the nines. Haley was wearing a really cute black halter dress with a fringed skirt, and Carrick a charcoal suit with no tie. They both make a striking couple. Haley with her short, wavy highlights and spiked heels, and Carrick with his curly, golden blonde hair. Right now, they’re both on the dance floor dancing wildly to an old eighties song.
Juliet sat with us for a while but eventually made her way around the room and got lost in the crowd. I just hope that she’s having fun. The look on her face when Carrick and Haley entered hand in hand was very telling. I can’t imagine how hard it is for her to see us happy when she hasn’t found someone for herself. I could tell that she was uncomfortable with being the fifth wheel of our group.
Right now, we’re sitting at our table and playing court to my pageant voters. Kell has been such a great sport about it, but I can tell that he’s bored. I’m startled out of my thoughts when Kell leans close, reaches for my hand, and whispers in my ear. “Let’s take a walk, beauty queen.”
I nod my head. “Sounds good.”
We both rise from the table and give everyone a tired smile. “We’re going to take a quick breather, guys. Be back in a few.” Kell says as he pulls me toward the private balconies hidden behind the thick drapes.
I frown in consternation. “I don’t think we can go out these doors, Kell. I’m pretty sure they are locked.”
Kell pulls me behind the curtain and gives me a wicked smile as he reaches for the door handle. “That would be a problem for a normal human, beauty queen, but not for your hot, Nephilim, boyfriend.” With a wink, he pushes the gold handle of the door down. The door instantly clicks open with a whoosh.
Without another word, Kell pulls me through the doorway and closes the door behind us. I look at the door, then back at my supernatural love. “That was so sexy.”
Kell chuckles as he pulls me into his arms. “Oh, you thought that was hot? I can’t wait to show you more.”
I bite my lip at his husky words. “Show me then.”
Our mouths meet in a sensuous dance, and his tongue advances and retreats as if savoring my taste. I sift my fingers through his hair as I pull him closer. A shiver travels up my spine at the feel of his solid chest meeting mine.
Kell’s hands rub up and down my back as he moves closer. His hair feels like silk beneath my fingers, and his lips feel so good. Our breaths mingle in a rapid staccato as our need crests. My hands travel down his neck, to his rippling chest, and make contact with every muscled crevice. A heat kindles in my womb as my body melt into his. Unfortunately, our pleasurable interlude cannot continue.
As if aware that it’s not the right time, our lips slow down. We still search out for one last taste and touch, but eventually, we pull apart and simply stand there comfortable in each other’s arms. Laying my head on his hard chest, I listen to the rapid beat of his heart. “I love you, babe.” His words make my stomach flutter pleasurably.
I pull my head back and look into his eyes with all the love I can show. “I love you too, Kell.”
He smiles and kisses my head again before he lets me go and nudges his chin toward the dance floor. “How about we go dance or something before I take you in my arms and carry you to my bed.”
I bite my lip, almost tempted to let him do exactly what he says. Unfortunately, Jordana’s threats ring out in the back of my head. She will make mine and Kell’s life hell if I mess this up.
I look at my dress and lick my kissed swollen lips. There’s no way I’m going back into the room looking like this. “Yeah, that’s a good idea. I just need to go to the ladies’ room and fix my makeup. I’ll meet you there.”
He nods his head and gives me another gentle kiss before he walks back into the ballroom.
Once he’s gone, I slide through the doors and quietly make my way to the ladies' room. As I step into the shadowy alcove, I run into a shadowy form. Resting my hand over my pounding heart, I face the form. “Taylor! You scared me.”
Taylor is standing before me dressed in a black shirt and jeans, which is odd considering that it’s a semi-formal party. He snickers and gives me an almost gratified look, which I find seriously creepy. “Sorry, Amara. I figured you’d know I was here.”
My brow furrows with confusion. “Why would I know you were here?”
He snickers. “Oh, you know, because of your visions.”
Confused, I shake my head and whisper accusingly. “You know I only have visions of girls that are going to die.”
He chuckles again.
This time, the hair on my back stands on end, and wariness creeps up my spine. I have never seen Taylor look or sound so malicious. When he steps closer, I flinch back. I don’t know why, but for some reason, I don’t want him to touch me. “What’s going on, Taylor?” I ask as calmly as I can.
Taylor shrugs his shoulders and snatches my wrist forcefully.
I try to retreat back, but he refuses to let me go. “Let me go, Taylor! This isn’t funny.”
My wrist aches painfully as a familiar chill begins to seep through my body. He doesn’t release me. Instead, he forces me into his arms and mutters through clenched teeth. “Don’t you get it, Amara? I asked about the visions because you’re the next girl.”
Fear overwhelms me.
I try to scream, but no words come out. All I can do is stand there and watch in horror as Taylor's eyes begin to darken into black orbs. Before I can get my bearings, a sharp pain explodes behind my eyes, and my vision begins to blur. As the world fades away, all I can think is that I’m going to die and leave Kell by himself.