Chapter 10 Familiar Taste
Elodie's POV
My mind went completely blank. All I could smell was his crisp, pleasant cedar scent mixed with a hint of tobacco - aggressively taking over all my senses.
The touch on my lips was warm and soft, heart-stirring.
I felt like I'd been hit by lightning, but I didn't want to let go.
This taste, this familiar feeling - it was exactly like the Lorenzo in my memory.
When he didn't respond, I tried sucking on his lips, teasing him with my clumsy technique.
I felt Nelson's hand around my waist tighten slightly, so I stuck out my tongue and licked his clenched teeth.
His breath wrapped around me completely. I clung to him tightly, unable to hold back a suggestive moan.
Suddenly, he lowered his head, his other hand gripping the back of my head.
Before I could react, he covered my lips with his.
His kiss was dominating, forcefully prying open my lips and teeth, tangling with my tongue. He stole all my breath - I could only endure this sudden intimacy.
Everything around us seemed to fade into shadows.
He was all that existed in my world. My body went soft involuntarily, my hands instinctively grabbing the fabric on his chest, my fingertips trembling.
The kiss lasted a long time, pulling out suggestive strings of saliva. Only when I was nearly out of breath did he finally release me slightly, his forehead pressed against mine, our rapid breathing tangled together.
I could feel his chest heaving violently. Those deep blue eyes held currents I couldn't understand in the dim light.
After a few seconds of confusion, something suddenly occurred to me.
I broke free from his grip, my eyes still clouded with desire.
"There's a reason you won't admit you're Lorenzo, isn't there?"
Nelson looked at me. The raging storm in his eyes gradually calmed, covered again by a layer of ice.
He straightened up, returning to that cold, superior attitude, as if the man who'd lost control moments ago was just my imagination.
"I'm sorry," he said. "I don't know the person you're talking about."
I hated him like this!
Coward!
I stared at him hard, about to say more, but he'd already completely shut down all emotion, turning to leave, showing me only his resolute back.
"I have things to do. I'm leaving," he said without looking back.
I stood there frozen, watching helplessly as he left.
Hit it and quit it?
Lorenzo, you're such an asshole!
I took a moment to calm down. Just as I was about to leave, Rod came back, holding a large bouquet of gorgeous red roses.
He walked up to me with an honest smile that didn't match his burly frame.
"Miss Elodie, Boss asked me to take you home." He handed me the flowers. "These... consider them my apology on my boss's behalf. He's... not the best-tempered person. Please don't take it to heart."
Looking at the bouquet, I felt incredibly wronged.
I took the flowers and got in the car.
On the way, I held the roses and casually asked, "Rod, you've been with him for a long time, right?"
Rod glanced at me in the rearview mirror and smiled. "A few years."
"Then... do you know if he used to be called Lorenzo?" I asked carefully, testing the waters with my last bit of hope.
I saw Rod's smile fade. He turned the steering wheel, his tone becoming more serious. "Miss Elodie, sometimes it's better not to know things than to know them. Just remember that boss means you no harm - that's enough."
"Stop asking. It's not good for you." he added.
Those words were like cold water, completely extinguishing the last bit of hope in my heart.
Even the person closest to him was saying this - what was left for me to fight for?
I gave up completely.
I leaned against the car window, watching the neon lights fly past backward, feeling empty inside.
The next day back at school, I was completely listless.
Just as I reached the building, a figure rushed out from the side, blocking my way.
It was Alex.
He looked like he hadn't slept all night - heavy dark circles under his eyes, messy hair, his designer clothes all wrinkled. Gone was his usual swagger.
"What exactly is your relationship with that Nelson guy?"
His blunt interrogation amused me.
I couldn't be bothered with this idiot and tried to walk past him.
But Alex grabbed my arm with surprising force. "I'm talking to you! Elodie, were you already with him? Is that why you were so quick to break up with me?"
Last night's humiliation mixed with my current irritation - my patience ran out. I yanked my arm free, wanting to kick him in the crotch.
"So what if I was? So what if I wasn't?" I gave him a provocative smile. "Alex, what gives you the right to question me? My ex-boyfriend?"
"Yep, I hooked up with him. And oh—" I touched my finger to my lips with a smirk, "we kissed last night. He's actually a much better kisser than you."
Alex's face turned bright red. He shot me a death glare, his chest heaving, looking like he was seconds away from snapping.
"You bitch!" He raised his hand to hit me.
"Alex, what are you doing?"
Just as we were facing off, Samantha appeared with some cheerleader friends.
I didn't even bother looking at her. I just looked at the fuming Alex in front of me and sneered. "Samantha, perfect timing. Do me a favor and keep your dog on a leash. Don't let him try to hump everyone he sees - it's embarrassing."