by Layne, Lyssa
I stepped around the corner into the kitchen and my jaw dropped to the floor. ''What the fuck?'' I said loudly.
He was standing by the stove, his back to me, and he was wearing nothing but black briefs. They fitted like a second skin, moulding across his butt cheeks, and I desperately tried to push away my naughty thoughts. His back was muscular and inked, but I didn't see it for long before he turned around and faced me. Levi. I avoided his face, my eyes grazing across his chest and arms. As I’d suspected, his skin was nearly completely covered with ink. There was a mixture of designs and colours, some were full of colour and others where shaded in simple black. Hiding under the ink, he had perfect abs and his boxer briefs were sitting low on his hips. He was... No, Nix, don't even think about it!
''What are you doing here? Did you sleep with Bekka? I thought she was with Tyler? Or did you stay with the roommate?'' The words slipped out of my mouth unbidden. I regretted them instantly, but it was too late, I couldn't take them back.
''Well, that kind of hurts, Phoenix. I didn't think I’d given you the impression I would sleep around with my best friend's girl, let alone a perfect stranger.'' He looked annoyed, his jaw tensed. ''Just to be clear, I’m the roommate.'' He watched me, gauging my reaction.
I had a reaction. A major one! My heart bounced against my ribcage and my knees went weak. Breathing suddenly seemed intensely difficult. My roommate? I would be sharing daily life with him? I was speechless, I didn’t know what to think or what to say. I never expected this to happen. I’d expected a girl roommate, not a guy, and certainly not this guy!
Rebekka Fleischer! I suddenly had the urge to hurt her. Badly. She was the one taking care of finding a new roommate. So why on earth did she choose him? There must have been plenty of other candidates. She did it intentionally, I had no doubt about it. She thought Levi was the perfect man for me and she was obviously going to do everything to convince me she was right.
''Breathe'' Levi commanded, walking closer to me.
''I can't.'' I tried to breathe in and out, but my whole body was shaking. ''Could you at least have the decency to wear clothes around here?''
''And that’s coming from a girl wearing a white see through t-shirt with tiny panties and no bra?''
''I live here; I can wear what the fuck I want!''
''Well, guess what? I fucking live here too!'' His tone was harsh, he’d never spoken to me like that before and for a few seconds, I was stunned.
He was right. I lifted my gaze slowly and his tattoos caught my attention. He had a chest piece with ‘No Regrets’ emblazoned across it. My eyes continued up and reached his throat, his lips, his perfect model-like nose and his forest-green eyes. We stared at each other for at least ten seconds, but I stopped counting at five. The tension that was always between us had roared back into urgent life. He stepped closer, his fingers reaching for my hands as I squeezed my eyes shut. I had an urgent need to touch him, and I didn't know how much longer I could deny it. I placed my hands flat on his chest with the intentions of pushing him away, but then I felt it. His heart pounded in his chest against my fingertips. It was impossible to push him away or to even remove my hand from his skin. Vaguely, I mused that he might really be my perfect half after all, we were like magnets attracting one another. I couldn’t deny my desire for him for a minute longer, it hit me right in the face. He squeezed my hand.
''Let me hold your hand,'' he murmured, so close to my skin I felt the vibration of his words against my flesh.
''Okay...'' I said it so quietly, I was convinced he didn't hear me. With his free hand, he lifted my chin up. I could sense his approach before he even touched me. I parted my lips and drew in as much air as I possibly could, because I didn't know when I would be able to breathe again. His lips crushed against mine hungrily and all the control I’d managed to keep over the past few days was gone.
I moved my hand from his chest to the nape of his neck and ran my fingers through his hair. I opened my eyes as I pulled away from his lips. ''I fucking hate you, Levi,'' I growled, biting the inside of my cheek. He drew me back to him and my body instantly responded, as I bit and nibbled the skin on his neck.
''If this is hate, then I fucking hate you too, Rock Star.'' He gripped my hips, holding me so tightly it bordered on the edge of pain. His lips were on mine, kissing me with such intensity, I’d never felt anything like it with anyone before. He lifted me to his level, as if I weighed nothing. I circled my legs around his waist and our kissing session continued, as if we needed to devour one another. I couldn’t believe I was here in my kitchen making out with Levi and I realized it felt so good to be with him.
His body was boiling hot, his skin soft and he smelled heavenly. He reached under the edge of my top and caressed the small of my back. The butterflies dancing in my belly reached a total frenzy, I didn’t want him to stop, and I wanted even more.
''Stop Nix... stop...'' he groaned against my lips. I didn’t want to stop, and I probably pouted at the thought. I couldn’t figure out why he wanted me to stop, I thought he was enjoying this just as much as I was. Stopping wasn’t what I expected him to want after waiting so long for me to figure myself out.
''I need to turn the oven off before we burn the house down.'' He grinned as he stretched his arm over the warm food, reminding me of how good it smelled. He flicked off the stove and smiled at me. ''I want to taste your lips some more now.''
The initial moment of passion was broken, but he managed to get me back on track within seconds. We were all kisses and tongues and heat and passion. I didn't allow myself to think, instead letting my heart and the emotions I was experiencing lead the way.
All the feelings I thought I had for Tristan seemed to disappear during the first few seconds of my kissing session with Levi. I honestly didn't care about Tristan anymore, he had nothing to offer me compared to Levi. Levi was a very good kisser, and I was enjoying the moment very much. His hands danced across the skin at the small of my back. His hold on me was filled with his needs and desires, I couldn’t believe how much he wanted me. He tossed the dirty bowl and plates from the counter dramatically and pushed me onto it gently, before he pulled my shirt off and stared down at my naked breasts for what seemed like a very long time. My face flushed with embarrassment and I tried to cover myself by pulling him against me, closer, always wanting to be closer.
''You are so beautiful, Phoenix. You deserve nothing but the best,'' he whispered huskily.
''And you are the best?'' I asked curiously.
''We are.'' He kissed the tip of my nose. ''You are so precious.'' He feathered kisses over my nose and lips, and I realized my body was running on pure adrenaline. He cupped my face in his hands and we stared into each other’s eyes. I’d tried so hard not to feel anything for him, but now, I just couldn't deny it any longer. I knew he was hoping I would say something back. I couldn't find the right words, but I felt it, I felt the deep connection we shared.
''Do you regret this?'' I could see a hint of pain in his face and it broke my heart because I didn't want to hurt him. I didn't want him to suffer because of me. He had been nothing but nice to me and here I was, fucked up and confused over our make-out session.
''No... I’m... I just have to figure this out. I didn’t see it coming.'' I certainly had no regrets, I was only very confused. I’d never thought we would connect the way we had. The intensity we shared was exactly what I was missing with Tristan.
''Tristan...'' His name sounded like a curse coming out of his mouth. ''It’s because of him, isn't it?'' He sounded hurt but I didn’t want him to.
''What I feel now, about you, what we have now. I never... I don't regret this at all, I want more, I loved it but let me figure this out, okay?''
''It’s you I want, Nix. I want to be the one you want and need too.'' He kissed my lips slowly, leaving me breathless with hunger. ''I'm yours already. Take me.''
I'm yours, too. He wiped away the tears which had started rolling down my cheeks. I didn't
know why I was so emotional. Maybe because as much as I wished I could have stayed away from Levi, I realized it was a lost cause. Or maybe because as much as I liked Tristan, he didn't stand a chance against the man who stood in front of me now.
''Kiss me... I want you to....'' He didn't give me the chance to finish the sentence, before his lips devoured mine. I pulled him closer to me, digging my nails into the skin at his waist. He moaned into my mouth, and I hoped I hadn't hurt him. All I wanted was to reach my bedroom, I wanted him, right now.
It was the first morning of living under the same roof and already we had broken all the rules. We were half dressed, making out on the kitchen counter. Moans and groans. Kisses and gentle bites.
His kisses calmed, he was trying to regain control. ''We need to eat, Rock Star.'' He pointed at the mountain of food on the table. ''We don't want to waste all that good food, do we?''
I shook my head breathlessly, and he helped me down from the counter. His hand landed on my behind, and I liked the heat of his palm against me. I picked up my top from the floor and put it back on, already missing the feel of his skin against mine. I was sad that our kissing session had ended so abruptly.
''Coffee?'' he offered.
''Yeah.'' I took the coffee cup from his outstretched hand. It was still warm and the smell was mouth-watering. Our eyes met and we both hesitated. I just wanted to kiss him again, but we had to stop this crazy lust between us. For now at least.
I sat at the wooden table and he placed a plate in front of me. It looked delicious, bacon with eggs and French toast. What else could I ask for? I mused about desiring an orange juice.
''Here, your orange juice. I pressed the oranges myself.''
He was no longer the guy I had to stay away from, he was an angel, he truly was and I needed him. The realization of how much I needed him came as a shock.
''You did all of this for me?''
''Yes, I did and I’ll do it every morning, unless you tell me to stop.'' He covered my hand, which was resting on the table, with his, and it eased the loneliness I felt at being physically apart from him. ''It might take you few days to make up your mind, but you’ll eventually see beyond the tattoos. I'm really a nice guy.''
''I know you are, Levi. I truly do.''
He smiled and it was worth a million bucks. He was beautiful, so beautiful that my heart skipped a beat. I was definitely falling for him. Hard and fast.
''Thank you for the breakfast, can we eat now?''
He nodded and we ate silently. We were sitting three feet apart and I could still feel the heat between us. This wasn't good, I needed to take things slowly, couldn’t let my desire overwhelm my common sense. Our feet were constantly touching and rubbing under the table and I couldn’t help but giggle nervously.
Breakfast was delicious and the thought of getting to eat like this every morning pleased me immensely. As soon as he was done, he angled his chair and slowly lifted my feet up onto his thigh, massaging them and my calves. He kept his amazing green eyes focused on mine, and his gentle touch was arousing me to a crazy level. His hands on my skin had already had that effect on me, and I reminded myself sternly that I needed to slow things down.
I finished the orange juice at last. He lowered my feet back to the floor and stood up, putting our plates in the sink, while I watched him surreptitiously. The colored drawings marked on his skin were impressive, and eyeing the designs, I realized there was nothing morbid or sinister about any of them. No skulls, no demons, every tattoo was pure and beautiful and it showed another side of him, one I hadn’t expected.
It was a side I was ready to get to know.
CHAPTER SEVEN
The warm water in the shower was running from my hair down my shoulders and over my body. I stood under the showerhead, remembering Levi’s kisses and what he’d said to me. 'I'm yours already. Take me.' I feared him so badly before, everything he was, the tattoos, his job. I thought he was a typical bad boy. Bekka and Val had tried to tell me numerous times that I was wrong, but I’d never listened to them. When Val left, I started seeing him for who he truly was. Levi had a tough look about him, but his heart and personality were the complete opposite. He had made sure I was doing fine when Val left, more than once. All this time, I’d tried to ignore it, but now that I was finally seeing it, I wanted to be his and I wanted him to be mine. Talking to Tristan was a top priority, before I could move forward with Levi. I had to tell Tristan I wasn't looking for more and I wanted to end whatever we had. I had been wrong about Levi, so terribly wrong. Despite my desire to take things slowly, all I kept wishing was for him to join me in the shower, I wanted to continue what we’d started. Now I could admit it to myself what I’d always known. I couldn’t trust myself around him. As much as I’d tried to deny it, I had always been attracted to him, right from the first time we met. After that kiss this morning, there would be no turning back. Levi was the one I wanted.
The idea of explaining the situation to Tristan was going to be awkward, he was everything I’d been taught to love by Mom. He seemed to be a really nice guy, and he was gorgeous, but my whole body ached for Levi. Everything had changed drastically in the last hour or so, and I could barely get through two seconds without thinking about him again. It was strange, but now it was clear in my head and I was comfortable with my decision.
I got dressed in a hurry as I wanted to see Levi again. His bedroom was next to mine and I couldn't hear any sound coming from inside, which left me wondering if maybe he was gone. I was silently praying he wasn't. I walked out of my room wearing a pair of cut-off denim shorts, which showed off my ink, and a black tank top. My hair was still wet and I wore no makeup.
''Levi?'' I called. The house remained silent, and I didn’t hear a sound coming out of his room.
I walked through to the kitchen, finding it empty and lastly checked the living room. Levi had dozed off on the couch, lying comfortably on his side, one arm tucked under his head. I leaned against the wall and quietly watched him for a few minutes. He looked so peaceful and I hesitated, but made the decision to join him. Living with him was going to be a challenge, while I didn’t want things to move too fast between us, I wanted to get to know him more. And I just couldn’t stop myself from wanting to be on the couch beside him.
I settled onto the couch, lying next to him and his arm slipped around my waist, holding me close. He didn't say a word, didn't even open his eyes, he just held me close and breathed deeply against my hair. I closed my eyes, resting my cheek against his chest and dozed off.
I hadn't felt this great in years, Levi was bringing something amazingly good into my life. I didn't know exactly what this was between us, but I knew I would figure it out in time.
I woke up a little over an hour later, still encircled by his arm. His breathing was deep and even, and I moved out of his embrace as slowly as I could so I wouldn’t wake him. I tiptoed into my room, sitting on the bed and grabbing my guitar. Feeling exceptionally relaxed and mellow, I started humming and my fingers moved instinctively over the guitar strings. Humming gradually morphed into words and my fingers created a peaceful melody on the guitar. Playing the instrument came naturally to me and so did singing. I didn't have to think about it, it was as easy as breathing and something I’d loved since childhood.
''Rock Star?'' I heard Levi’s voice, groggy from sleep.
I opened my eyes and a smile raised my lips. He was standing by the bed, his arms crossed. ''Hey!'', I greeted him huskily.
''You really can sing, you know that? Your voice is beautiful and you play guitar well.''
''I know... it's my thing, you know... yours is tattooing people... this is mine.''
''Why don't you have an album or play in town? You’re so talented, you could be the lead singer of a band or even go solo.''
''Levi, I know all that... but it’s not how I want to live my life.''
''Such a waste.'' He looked down at me and saw my expression, then ran a hand through his bed hair. ''I don't
mean to upset you, but you’re really great. You really should exploit your talents. I know you don't want to right now, but if you ever change your mind, let me know. I know a few guys who could help.''
Again, he was offering me help, proving once again, he was always here for me. ''Thank you, Levi.''
''My name has never sounded better than when it comes out of your lips. It's very hot and so very distracting.'' Our eyes connected, and I wanted him to join me on the bed, there was a fervent need to be closer to him. With Levi around, I decided, I couldn't think straight. He glanced at his watch. ''I've got to go to the shop. I have appointments to get ready for.''
''Oh.'' I couldn't hide my disappointment. ''I’ll see you tonight, I guess.”
''You can come with me if you want. Kyle will be there, too.''
‘‘Hmm… yeah... yeah I would love to. Give me few minutes to get ready.'' This was the first step towards getting to know him better. What better way could there be, than spending time with him in his own environment?
''Nix...'' He surprised me by using my name, I couldn't recall him doing it before. ''You look perfect like this. Don't change a thing.'' He took the guitar from my hand and placed it back on the stand, before he held his hand out to me in a silent offering, his eyes intent on mine.
I placed my hand into his and he smiled as we headed to the tattoo studio. I’d noticed more than once how he always wanted me to hold his hand. It seemed to be something important to him, something he enjoyed, or maybe it made him feel more secure.
His car was parked out front. He opened the passenger door and waited for me to settle in the seat before he closed it. He really was proving to be a gentleman.
''What was the first tattoo you got?'' I asked him as we drove down the street. He’d probably answered that question hundreds of times before, but I was intently curious about the answer.
