Page 30 of Quiet Rage (Wicked Falls Elite #5)

Tamson

I stare at him in shock, my mouth literally hanging open. I just don’t understand.

“Why can’t you find someone else…anyone else?” My question only seems to irritate him further.

“Because I don’t want anyone else. I want you.” The determination in his voice is apparent, and I already know he is not going to take no for an answer.

The question is, can I really do it? Can I act like we’re a couple after everything he’s done to me?

I just don’t know what he expects from me.

When I don’t say anything in return, he sighs heavily, like he is frustrated with my apprehension.

He looks away like he is searching for an answer that doesn’t exist.

His eyes snap back to mine. “If you do this, I’ll protect you from my father’s men. I won’t let them touch you again.”

I stifle a flinch at the reminder of Dante striking me in the face. I’m not going to lie, I’m terrified of him and the idea of having Kellen keep him away from me is a comforting thought, but it’s not only my safety I’m worried about.

“What about my parents?”

“I can’t promise that,” he quips. “But I’ll try.”

I guess that’s better than nothing. It doesn't take me long to weigh my options…mostly because I know I don't really have any. He is only giving me the illusion of one.

“I’ll try,” I finally say, feeling like I just agreed to something I’m going to regret later.

Kellen’s lips tuck up into a satisfied smile. “Good.”

“So, how is this going to work?” I ask, genuinely curious.

He shrugs one shoulder, like he is not too sure, himself. “Let’s go inside and figure it out.”

His suggestion has my stomach in knots. Being alone with him usually ends up with me naked. He stayed true to his word last night and didn’t hurt me, but I don’t know if it will be the same today.

“Come on,” he urges, nodding his head towards my front door. He starts to walk away from me, but his gaze remains on me, making sure I’m following.

I chew on my bottom lip and force my legs to move. Together we walk through the front lawn until we get to the door. I pull out my keys and unlock the door with a surprisingly steady hand. Last night, I could barely get this unlocked because I was shaking so bad.

My fear around Kellen is not gone by a long shot, but I have to admit, it’s gotten a whole lot better in a very short amount of time.

I’m not sure if that is a good or bad thing.

Is it wise to let my guard down with him?

Probably not. Regardless of my thoughts, I lead Kellen through the house and into my room.

“Text your dad and tell him you are not feeling well and staying home,” he says when we get to my room.

I already know arguing about it is not going to work, so I get out my phone and send my father a quick message.

“What now?” I question when we awkwardly stand in my small space.

“Maybe we can watch a movie?” he suggests. “I wouldn’t mind seeing your favorite.”

My eyebrows shoot up, wondering if he forgot which movie my favorite was. “You want to watch Twilight with me?”

“Sure, why not? A lot of people are obsessed with it. Can’t be that bad.”

“I can pull it up on my laptop,” I offer.

“Okay,” Kellen agrees.

I get my laptop from the small desk under my window.

It’s old and needs to be plugged in when I use it, but it gets the job done.

I grab the charging cable and bring everything over to my bed, where Kellen has already made himself comfortable.

I plug the laptop up and climb onto the mattress next to Kellen.

We both sit with our backs resting against the headboard as I wait for my computer to boot up.

When it finally does, I pull up the movie and hit play.

I’m just about to lean back and enjoy the film when Kellen snakes his arm around my torso and pulls me over to him.

He settles me between his legs, pulling me back until I’m cuddled up against his chest.

He reaches around and fixes the laptop, placing it on my thighs. The familiar beginning scene plays on the screen as I try my best to relax into Kellen’s hold. Surprisingly, it doesn't take long for my stiff muscles to soften. His body heat seeps into me, giving me an oddly comfortable feeling.

We watch Bella’s story unfold in silence and I find myself tipping my head back to rest it against Kellen’s chest. He snakes his arms around me, folding his hands over my stomach. I hate to admit it, but this feels kind of nice.

It’s probably just the endorphins from watching Edward and Jacob swoon over Bella that has my mind confused.

Kellen doesn't comment or laugh throughout the movie like I kind of expect him to. We simply watch while cuddling.

When the movie ends, I’m disappointed it’s over. Not only because I enjoyed watching it, but now that it’s over, Kellen might want to do something else, and the unknown of what’s next is always nerve-racking to me.

I reach out to close my laptop, but Kellen stops me. “Wait. What about the sequel?”

Twisting in his hold so I can look at him, I ask, “Do you really want to watch more?”

“I like to finish what I started,” he explains, a smile playing on his lips.

“Did you even like the first part?” I scan his face intently, trying to find a sign of dishonesty.

“Not my usual form of entertainment, but I can see the appeal. It’s good enough to continue watching.” His words seem genuine.

“Okay, then. New Moon it is.” I turn back around and start the next movie. “Though I have to say this is my least favorite out of the whole saga.”

“How come?”

“Well, I’m team Edward and without giving you any spoilers, he is not in this movie that much.” At least not as much as I would like him to be.

“Ah, got it,” Kellen replies. “Jacob is gonna get his shot now.”

I lift my shoulder. “I guess you have to wait and see.” Twisting around to face the screen, I sink back into Kellen’s embrace, this time with concerning ease. It shouldn’t be this easy to be so comfortable with him. Yet, I find myself giving into him more with each passing minute.

It doesn’t help that he has been so gentle with me.

More than that, he made me feel extremely good last night.

And now he’s offered me protection. Something I’ve always yearned for.

A protector. Could Kellen really be mine, or is that part only pretense, too?

I don’t know. But at this moment, it feels real.

The second movie flies by, and before I know it, the ending credits are rolling.

“I could go without the glitter skin,” Kellen says.

“I actually was never a fan of that part either,” I admit. “Do you want to keep this marathon going, or are you tapping out?”

“I’m tapping out for now, but only because I’m hungry.”

At Kellen’s words, I realize I’m pretty famished myself.

Closing the laptop, I push it off my lap and climb off the bed. Kellen follows me, and together we leave my room to walk to the kitchen. I head straight for the fridge, opening it to find it barely has anything in it. I frown at the almost empty milk carton, jar of mayo, and half a stick of butter.

As I shut the fridge, I realize Kellen is already going through our cabinets, searching for food. He pulls out a can of green beans, glaring at it like he personally offended by it.

“Well, I’m not eating this.” He shakes his head and puts the can back inside the cabinet.

“I’m sorry,” I say, embarrassed by how little we have.

“Why are you sorry?” Kellen turns towards me. His intense gaze falls on me.

“I guess because I’m such a bad host. I can’t even offer you something to eat,” I explain.

“It’s fine. We could always order something,” he suggests, before getting out his phone. “What do you like?” He looks at the device in his hand and starts reading off a list of restaurants. “We got pizza, a burger place, Chinese food, or sushi?”

“Um, I don’t know,” I say, unsure. I would love some Chinese food but I’m hesitant to speak up. I can’t pay for this, and I feel bad expecting him to cover for me again. “I mean, you can order something for you. I’ll be fine.”

Kellen’s eyebrows draw together, his voice sharp when he talks. “Tell me what kind of food you want, or I will order everything.”

My shoulders sag. “I just don’t want you to have to pay for me again.”

Understanding flashes over his features. “I like paying for you,” Kellen admits. “I want to take care of you.” I’m not sure if he really means that, or if this is part of pretending. I’m not bold enough to ask, so I decide to just go with it.

“I love Chinese food,” I finally reveal.

Kellen smiles widely, seemingly satisfied with my answer. I tell him what I like, and he orders with his phone before we sit down at the kitchen table.

“Have you eaten at this place yet?” he asks, shifting in his chair like he can’t get comfortable.

“No.”

“Well, it has good reviews.” He props his elbows on the table and leans forward, the old wood creaking under his weight. “Do you know how to eat with chopsticks?”

“I’m not a pro at it, but I can manage to get some of the noodles into my mouth.” I laugh, hoping I’m not going to embarrass myself later.

“I won’t tell anyone if you use a fork,” Kellen says. “Though I always think the food tastes better with the chopsticks. Maybe that’s in my head.”

“Maybe I can test that theory today,” I offer. “I’ll try both and see which one tastes better.

Kellen’s face lights up with a smile. “I’m looking forward to your conclusion.”

I smile back at him, falling into the role of his girlfriend too easily. Why is this so easy to me? I’m genuinely having a good time talking to him, even smiling. My mood sours, shame blooming at letting my guard down like this.

The air shifts between us. I lean back in my chair, suddenly feeling the need to put space between us.

Kellen sighs. “You need to get out of your head. Stop thinking so much and just be here in the moment.”

“I’m trying,” I counter, my voice sounding tired and defeated.

“How about we come up with something like an alternative story?”

I give him a confused shrug. “What do you mean?”

“We could come up with a story of how we met,” he explains. “Like…maybe we met at the bowling alley?”

I give him a half-hearted smirk. “When was the last time you went to a bowling alley?”

“Okay maybe that was a bad example,” he admits. “But you get the point?”

“Yes, you want me to forget the past and replace bad memories with better ones.”

“You say it like that’s a bad thing,” he points out. “Wouldn’t you feel better forgetting and letting it go?”

Of course I would. That’s why I was giving in so easily. “Yes, but letting go of something is scary.”

“I wish I could take your fear away,” Kellen says, his voice sounding honest. “I’d rather see you smile than cry.”

“I don’t have a lot to smile about.”

“I know, but I’m trying to change that. You just have to give it a chance…give me a chance.”

A few moments of silence settle over us, and I take that time to think. Giving him a chance would mean trusting him. Opening myself up even more than I already have. He has forced me into a vulnerable position, but he is asking even more now.

The doorbell rings. The sudden sound makes me jump in my chair.

“I’ll get it,” Kellen announces, before getting up and walking to the door. I get up myself and grab two glasses, then filling them with tap water and setting them on the table.

A minute later, he returns with a white bag of food.

He sets it on the table and starts to unwrap the containers inside.

The savory smell of sweet and sour sauce fills the air and my mouth waters.

Kellen opens my box and pushes it right in front of me.

I take the chopsticks from the bag and free them from their paper wrapping.

Lucky for me, eating with chopsticks is like riding a bike. Even though I haven’t done it in forever, I can still do it. I take my first bite and almost moan because it’s so good. I shove a few more large pieces of fried chicken in my mouth, chewing slowly to enjoy every bite.

I concentrate on my food until I’ve polished off almost half of my meal.

“Maybe we met at the mall?” I look up from my container and over at Kellen. “You went to the big and tall store. I was smelling candles and sampling the lotions next door.”

He smiles before adding to my story. “We ran into each other on the way to the food court.”

I nod. “You asked me out for lunch, and I said yes. We were going to get a slice of pizza, but the cinnamon rolls smelled so good, we ended up just eating those.”

“We talked while we ate,” he continues.

“I told you all my secrets, and you told me yours in return.”

“And when I kissed you goodbye, I could still taste the sugar on your lips,” he concludes.

“That’s a good story,” I say, wishing it was actually true.

“Yeah, I think so, too,” Kellen agrees, and I can see in his eyes that he also wants this to be true.

Maybe even more than I do.