Page 23 of Hold Me
“Using up the pills too fast.”
“Why? They’re the only things keeping me alive.”
“Don’t say that.” Jade takes hold of Isaac’s arm and pulls him toward her.
“Don’t worry, Jade. You’re keeping me alive too.” He wraps her into a brotherly hug, burying his head into her dark red hair.
Jade smiles at him.
Caleb looks at his hands in his lap. Raphael would never let them have too many pills at once, but he certainly doesn’t mind the addicting effect they have and keeps providing them. Even though Caleb doesn’t know what exactly they are, he’s seen what they do to people.
Some of Raphael’s prostitutes actually agreed to work for him of their own free will just to get the pills that apparently can’t be found anywhere on the market. It’s Raphael’s special mix, and aside from dulling all the emotions and distorting reality, they also help with the sex drive.
Jade laughs about something, and Caleb’s thoughts drift off to Lilith. If she could see him now, what would she think? She’d probably never want to have anything to do with him and would be embarrassed she’d taken him to the movies with her. He should forget about her. He really should, but he doesn’t know if he can.
I’ve survived only two full weeks without contacting Alessandra and asking for Caleb. Even though I don’t really want to talk about him to anyone, his name slipped out when I was talking to Katherine and she just rolled her eyes and changed the subject.
When Alessandra confirms that Caleb has agreed to see me at my apartment, my stomach fills with butterflies. One part of me wonders if my obsession with Caleb is wrong. Things might be too awkward or complicated between us if we start a relationship, but I’m not willing to let it go just yet.
My doorbell rings. I roll my shoulders to loosen up my tense muscles, then I straighten my back, check myself in the mirror, and open the door.
Caleb smiles at me when he sees me, his dark eyes sparkling. He’s wearing a gray shirt and tight black jeans. “You called, princess?”
“Yeah.” I let him in, then lock the door. “I hope you know how to play video games.”
“What?” His mouth falls open, but he quickly collects himself and just tilts his head. “You didn’t just call me to play video games the whole night, did you?”
“Nope. I think.” I shrug, then raise my hand to point in the direction of the living room. “But I’ve set everything up, so get ready to lose.”
His gaze briefly falls on my wrist and on the bracelet that he bought me. “What makes you think I’m going to lose?”
“I don’t know. Because you want to please me?” I laugh, readjusting my ponytail.
“No way.” He shakes his head. “I won’t let you win.”
“We’ll see.” I wink at him. “I’ll get us some drinks.”
I don’t know how long we’ve been playing when I sit back on my heels and groan. “You’re too good at this!” He’s won almost every single time, no matter what type of game I chose, even my favorite racing and shooter games.
Amusement flickers in his eyes. “Oh, did you want me to lose?”
I press my lips together and shake my head in fake indignation. “You’re probably playing games all the time when you’re not working, so you’ve had time to practice. I can only play once in a while when I have some free time in between exams. And I can’t really find anyone to play with.”
Katherine and Alessandra would rather jump out of a speeding car than play video games with me, and inviting others from college into my home doesn’t appeal to me. I’m sure most of them would find me childish and immature and wouldn’t like me at all, and some would pretend to enjoy it to suck up to me, which would be even more annoying.
“Oh poor you, always so busy. Do you want me to let you win this time, princess?” He grins.
“No.” I punch him lightly on the shoulder, then sigh. “I mean, yeah. Maybe just one time.”
“Okay.” He restarts the game, and I’m surprised that he actually doesn’t seem to mind. But when I win, I actually shout out in delight and throw myself into his embrace, winding my arms around his neck.
“You did it, princess,” he says. “You won.”
“Yeah,” I breathe, my lips so close to his. I bend my head and close my mouth over his. His hand travels up my body as he pulls me closer, his mouth ravaging mine. I thread my fingers through his hair, deepening the kiss. When I break away, trying to catch my breath, he kisses my neck and tugs on my pink top.
He lifts me up and lays me down on the couch, his hands exploring my body and sliding under my top, caressing my hard nipples. I plant a soft kiss on Caleb’s neck, then slide his shirt over his head and run my fingers across his hard chest. The look he gives me is filled with hunger and I help him strip off my top and pants.
As his tongue twirls around my nipple, I arch my back. I don’t even know where our clothes ended up or when he slipped on a condom, but now he’s naked above me, his hard cock brushing against my navel. I part my legs, already wet for him. But instead of penetrating me with his cock, he slips a finger inside of me and my eyes flutter and drift closed. His finger goes in and out until I’m no longer sure I can take it anymore.