Chapter 5 The Devilish Kisses

Continued

If it was anyone in my situation currently, I was sure they were going to use the word, "Shock" to describe this sudden assaulting kiss. But since I am not an ordinary man, but a simply complicated and an extreme downright confusing person, I will say I am "Clean Bowled" with this stranger girl's audacity to kiss a mere stranger whom she has met just a few hours back.

Never for once in my entire day, err scratch that it should be the entire life I thought that someone will just leave me speechless with this frustrating as well as seductive kiss.

It wasn't actually seductive but a very warm kiss, which was being given to me by this spoilt brat who was completely dissolved in my lips, or that's what I felt when I felt her licking my lips with her tongue.

I still stood deep-rooted on my spot while Serena's hands now went behind my head pulling my hairs a little. I didn't know why I was so caught up in the moment that my brain refused to function so did my body.

Thus, when she pulled away, I kept on staring at her with a stupid look etched on my face. It might not be entirely stupid given the looks I have but I was sure as hell that I looked like an idiot for not responding back.

But what can I do? This all intimacy brings back memories of my past and the reason for this devastating conscience which can never rest in peace.

Her kiss lasted for about thirty to forty seconds but still, I don't know how I felt about it? It was so confusing yet heartwarming. My heart wanted to respond but my brain refused to understand the dilemma I was fighting.

Still lost in my world, I was standing there for a few seconds when she broke the deadly silence between us, "You are sure about your sexuality, right?" A look of horror crossed over my face and before I can check my own voice, I ended up shouting loudly, "What?"

"Now you became deaf too!! Amazing! I have met a masterpiece definitely tonight. Great going Serena!" She commented with pure mock in her tone boiling my blood.

This girl! This ever so overconfident of a spoilt brat didn't just question me about my sexuality, but she literally declared me as deaf. This wasn't happening with me. She can't get away with this.

"So, you have doubts over my sexuality, Ms. Waldorf? So, I will certainly not be offended in removing your false assumptions, right this moment!" I started taking a step closer to her. She has a very amused look plastered over her face while I expected her to move back from my proximity.

But who was I kidding? This female seems to have run from a mental asylum and much to my dismay, she directly bumped into me to make me realize that this world was not yet free of brainless chicks.

"Oh really?? You and removing my assumptions! Then please tell me how are you going to do that? I am sure the world wants to know what Daniel Price is capable of!" She retorted back. Her index finger pointing towards me while attitude was lurking on her face.

And that was enough for me to lose my head as she was continuously stabbing a knife on my manly pride and which man can bear that humiliation, certainly not me?

Before she can get the chance to analyze my intentions witnessing my wicked grin, I jerked her small body towards mine by wrapping one arm around her daunt waist.

And before she can open her smart mouth, I crashed my lips on her taking her by surprise. But if thought that she wasn't going to kiss me, then sure as hell I was wrong. Absolutely wrong!

I felt her moving her luscious lips against mine within seconds. My control was going down the drain and I was sure that it was the outcome of the celibacy I had adopted since that night.

Our lips were moving in perfect sync tasting the saliva of the other while the only sound that I heard was the beating of our heart which was lost in the moment. If it was not lost, then I was sure that I wasn't ever going to kiss her. If on one side, it was my big fat ego then on the other it was this crazy organ that wanted to taste this woman's nectar. It wasn't lust but it was beyond any normal attraction if I had to explain. I didn't realize when I had pinned her to the nearby wall but now, she was pulling me through my hairs while our lips kept on moving against the other.

"Am," I heard her moaning sound, and a victorious smirk came on my lips even when I was kissing her fervently. I don't know how exactly to describe this feeling, but whatever it was; it was different. One hundred percent is different from what I have felt before with other girls.

I was busy placing feather-light pecks on her lips while my eyes were closed but then all of a sudden, I heard a sound of clicking making me pull back from Serena.

It was like the spell that she cast on me was broken and now that I faced her, I felt the most stupid man alive. Surely, I wasn't regretting the kiss but the thing that I saw made my blood boil with anger.

"What the hell woman?" I inquired angrily seeing Serena grinning with her mobile phone in her hands. That spoilt brat just took our picture while kissing and now she has the gall to smile at me.

Bloody hell!!

"Sorry man, though you are an excellent kisser, but you see I only wanted one prove of this unexpected kiss. It was a dare buddy so chillax!" She explained with a grin making me grit my teeth in anger and frustration at her attitude.

Was she insane? Or was she high on drugs? A dare! Like seriously! Since when did people start kissing in dares in America now? But when the hell did, she took out her cell? We were so lost in the kiss, forget about remembering to take the picture.

As if reading my thoughts, she answered, "Well when you pinned me on the wall and I ended up putting my hands in your hairs, that was when you were completely drowned in me, so I removed my right hand and took out my cell and click! Now am I not excellent in my tricks?"

I swear if she wasn't a woman, I would have throttled her neck by now, but I was simply gazing at her swollen lips now. I licked my own lips absent-mindedly as I felt the need to taste her again for some reason but not liking my own reaction towards her, I turned around giving my back to her.

Running my hands through my hair, I took a deep breath, as I heard her giggles. Typical teenager!!

"Oh, come on dude. You are a modern man. It's not like I snatched your dignity from you and before you think about me as a whore then let me clarify you why I did this!" She explained in her ever so sweet yet ignorant and arrogant tone.

Like I care! For all I know, she might publish in the media and make a fuss about my image.

Turning around with a stern look on my face, I passed her a glare and sat down on the bench, not at all getting the deal of her stupid dare.

"You see I am regular customer at your restaurant along with my friends. So today morning like usual we visited your restaurant for our breakfast so while awaiting our order we began playing truth or dare. And I was given a dare to kiss the owner of the Price Inns and if I wouldn't do that then I have to become slave of my buddies for the entire week.

Can you imagine it? Serena becoming their slave; doing their homework, carrying their bags and what not!"

Her explanation though for once was good because being someone's slave for a week was too much to handle. But at the same time, I felt anger rising inside me at the thought of her considering me as a mere dare. But why do I care?

"So, you do make it a habit of kissing around? Impressive really! But what if someday they ask you to kiss an old man so are you going to do the same?" I taunted her trying to hurt her with my words for making me one piece of dare.

"Oh, excuse me. Control your words. Just because I am quiet, doesn't mean that you will say anything. Just so you know I don't go around kissing and secondly, we knew that you were young but since you are not a media fan, so I never saw your any pictures. Thirdly, if you were in your office in morning, I would have done this there only but since you were not in, so I let go off the deal. But when you told me who you were few minutes back, I got excited and since my friends would have made me a slave anyway tomorrow so I thought to grab the opportunity. So, don't give yourself so much credit, Mr. Wolf Face!" She retorted angrily.

Crossing her arms over her chest, she sat beside me giving me murderous looks throughout. What I didn't get is that how can someone be so courageous to kiss a mere stranger?

"And you know what, you should be thankful to me for saving you from public embarrassment!"

I turned my face towards my left to see her having a serious look on her face, but her eyes gave away the thought that she was anything but serious. Those sexy eyes were dancing in mischief as if she were enjoying at my expense.

Giving her an annoyed look, I rested my head back on the wall, closing my eyes. A tired sigh escaped my lips. I don't know for how long I sat in that position but after some time, I felt a slight weight shifting over my shoulder.

Opening my eyes slowly, I found Serena's head on my shoulder as she clung to my arm trying to find a suitable position to sleep.

She looked so fragile yet innocent at that moment that I wanted to hold her close to my chest but pushing away my thoughts, I tugged her strands of hair behind her ears because they were disturbing my view of her beautiful face.

It was the first time I found something changing within me, but I wasn't able to point it out. But it was good, but it gave me shivers down my spine too, because I was afraid to go back to that way from which I have come out after years. But what I didn't understand was the fact that it wasn't any lusty feeling nor anything bad, but this feeling was absolutely pure and sacred.

And the thought of that one word making its appearance in my life again was enough to drive me to the edge but as I took a glance of this beautiful doll in my arms, I found myself relaxing at her touch.

A small smile managed to form on my lips and before I can control myself, I bent my head down planting a small kiss on the side of her head which made my heart skip a beat. Something that I wasn't used to. And as the night progressed, I kept on staring at her trying to read her heart and soul.

Present

The morning rays touched my face alerting me of them another day. I straightened my body for a while staring at the ceiling but then as realization dawned on me that this was the first morning in these two years when I was alone on my bed.

But as I felt that loneliness, I felt small hands wrapping themselves around me. Nathaniel!!

My mind reminded me of my companion now and as I turned to look down at his small frame hugging me on my side, I felt my heart clenching in pain. My hands raised on their own to caress the little boy's head as a feeling of belonging surrounded me.

I don't know why I felt so much connected to him, but I was glad that he was here near me, in my time of agony otherwise I was sure last evening, that alcohol will only become my friend now but now that I have someone to take care of, I think I can last a little while without it.

"Hey little bud. Good morning". I greeted him as he lazily opened his eyes, rubbing them. A chuckle escaped my lips as I found him so cute at that moment.

He took a while to get adjusted to the daylight in the room, then giving me a shy smile he wished in a soft voice, "Good morning, Dad!"

I kissed his forehead lightly liking the feeling of being his parent. Though not biologically but it's the upbringing that matters and from today onwards, he is going to be mine. Officially and legally my son.

"Okay bud, let's get dressed then we will go out and get you admitted in school." I suggested getting up. Nathan got up along with me, but his eyes were staring at me in confusion.

"But I don't have clothes?" I mentally slapped my forehead for being so irrational. How did I forgot that I have to get him clothes?

Realizing my folly, I gave him an apologetic look and offered, "Okay so how about we first go to Dad's restaurant to have a cool breakfast. Then we will go for shopping and then for your admission. You do want to go to school right?"

He nodded his head enthusiastically as the idea of school wasn't unknown to him.

"Alright come!" Taking hold of his small hand, I showed him the way to the washroom like last night. It was so new for me to be familiar with a kid and handling their responsibility, but it all felt so nice. I wish she were here with me. I was sure she would have made an amazing mother, but little did I know that she considered me nothing more than baggage full of depression.

Was I really a depressed soul who tormented her?

The answer was trying to find its way in my mind but before I can understand Nathan's excited squeal brought me out of my trance.

"Cheese!" He was giving his reflection a Colgate smile. I realized that he loved watching himself in the mirror just like Serena's one of the habits.

I never understood why she used to stare at herself making weird faces in the mirror but soon I understood that she loved to keep her childishness alive in her somewhere. I liked that fact about her because not many people can become a child after growing up. Most of us forget what it is to be a kid because we dissolve ourselves in the worldly facades thus, finding someone like a small child-like Serena was certainly a breath of fresh air for me. Or certainly my new breathing system!

"Nathan don't wet yourself. We still need to go out". I warned him while shaving my one-day stubbles. He was busy brushing his teeth but still playing with the water as I had made him sit on the counter near the water faucet.

He giggled but obliged making me smile. Once he was done, I helped him out, and after switching on the TV for him for the meanwhile, I went to take my shower.

Once I stepped out of the washroom, with a towel wrapped around my waist, I saw Nathan jumping on the couch on which he was sitting.

"Dad, see!!" Giggling he jumped for me and I panicked getting paranoid that he might hurt himself. I don't know why I felt so afraid, but my feet automatically ran in his direction.

He halted his activity as he saw me approaching him with worry. As I was about to take him in my arms, he suddenly stepped back from me shocking me.

"No please."

"Don't hit me.”

"I won't touch your things.”

"Nathan what's wrong baby? Come here!" I tried to take him in my arms, but he kept on moving back. By now tears were flowing out of his eyes as if he were reliving something drastic.

"Nathan, I won't hit you bud. Come here!" He now stood in the corner of the room sobbing lowly making my heart constrict in pain. Confused with his sudden behavior I took slow steps towards him and thankfully, he wasn't going away from me.

I can't handle another person leaving me especially not this little guy. In such a short span, I have come to care for him as my own and I don't think if I lose him after trying to find my peace in him, I will be able to survive.

A man can sustain a burn once, twice but if he is forced to bear it thrice, then it's the end for him.

Reaching him, I kneeled down to his level and he suddenly hugged me once again taking me by surprise.

"What happened buddy?" I finally inquired once I was sure he was no longer crying. I kept on caressing his back, soothing his pain which he might be feeling in his heart. Parting from me he looked down. Tears were still flowing down on his cheeks and my own eyes brimmed with tears.

"One day I touched a.... big man's car and he hit me. I fell.... down on road and got hurt". He revealed once again his eyes filling with tears. He lifted up his torn jeans a little and showed me the bruise on his knee which was still blue due to swelling.

Not able to control me, I pulled him in my arms and consoled him, "No one will hurt you anymore buddy. You are Nathaniel Daniel Price now and this house and everything here is yours so don't be afraid. I am here to protect you always.”

He clung onto my body and I understood now that he felt that I might hurt him because he jumped on the couch. But little did he knew that I don't value these materialistic things anymore. I only want a true companion to share this grief with me and to help me to pass one night.

Pulling apart, I wiped off his tears and he kissed my cheeks making my heart swell in pride in the same way I felt when Serena used to kiss me.

Remembering that my kiddo might be hungry since he didn't eat much last night, I hurried up to get dressed in my work clothes which consisted of a formal grey suit.

Making Nathan wear his shoes, I carried him downstairs to the parking lot and he was jumping excitedly in my arms. I never knew carrying a kid can be so heartwarming.

Throughout the drive to the Price Inns Nathan was playing with the soft toy tiger kept in the car on the back seat and I couldn't be happier than this. At least, someone was happy for me if not her.

"Ok baby, get down and go stand beside that door." I instructed him pointing towards the restaurant's main door. Giving me the big smile, he did as per my wish, and I made my way towards the back to the parking lot since the front parking lot. Since it was Times Square and it was always busy, so I wasn't really surprised that even in the morning at 10 am, the parking lot was full.

It took me a while to get the parking done due to the rush on the street but as soon as I came to the front to meet Nathan, the sight which I saw made me clench my fist in anger and I can feel myself sweating with fear at what my eyes were seeing currently. But before I can let my fear cloud my mind, I marched towards the scene and yelled gaining the attention of the occupants.

What the hell do you want now Serena Waldorf??