Page 29 of Shadows Within

I slip down the hall, back to the party. My lips still burn from him. Regret fills the pit of my stomach. I hate the way he kisses me like he already owns my body.

Lift. Your. Fucking. Hips

Scarlett

The outside lights are left on when I pull into the driveway. I expect the usual sense of relief when I walk into the house, but I feel nothing. As the door shuts behind me, I lean against it. I sigh and walk upstairs. My body stays tense, unable to relax.

Dad told me that he was going to a friend’s house to watch the hockey game, so he’ll be home late. I didn’t expect to beat him home, but I also needed to escape. That kiss was a mistake.

What is Callum doing to me?I touch my lips where the heat from his mouth still rests.

There’s something about Callum that makes me crave him. He’s so mysterious and the more I talk to him, the more I want to peel back his layers and discover what’s underneath.

I need to focus on school right now. As I get changed and tuck myself into bed, I lick my lips, removing any remnants of him that remain.

Minutes feel like hours. I roll over, trying to get in a comfortable position. There’s no use.

Sigh.

I throw the covers off and sit up at the side of my bed.

12:40 a.m.

That stupid clock.

I stand and make my way downstairs, grabbing my gym bag from the front door. Since I’m already up, I might as well let out some steam.

I grab my gloves and step out to the punching bag in the corner of the garage.

The lights are off, but I know my way around.

I flick on a lamp on Dad’s tool bench. The bright lights are too harsh, so instead, the gloomy low light welcomes me.

I pull my gloves on and hit the bag. With every punch, instead of feeling calm, my anger builds. I control my breath and continue to strike the still bag until my sports bra is covered in sweat.

I lift my glove and wipe the sweat that glistens on my forehead.

Suddenly, I sense that someone is watching me. The uneasy weight forces me to look over my shoulder. I don’t expect to spot those dark sea eyes, creeping in the shadows. He leans against the inside of the door frame.

“What, are you following me now?” I try to catch my breath.

A calculated raspy chuckle escapes his mouth.

“No, Scarlett. You just seem to be noticing now.”

I’m taken back by his statement, but I sense that he’s telling the truth. I wonder if he’s been watching and hiding in the shadows. I don’t know if that should scare or comfort me.

“What do you want, Callum? You’re at my house.” I’m not a toy he can play with. He needs to understand that when he comes into my house uninvited.

“I know where I am, Scarlett.” His arms remain folded across his chest.

“Then what do you want, Callum?” My temper is short. I’m already confused by the kiss from earlier.

He takes a step forward, but his body language doesn’t change.

“Maybe I just wanted to see you again.”

I know that feeling, but I can’t show him.