Strings of Fate

55–Bedrooms and boundaries

I wake to a light tugging in my hair. The room is still dark, so I have no idea how long I’ve been asleep.

“Hello.” Bellamy says quietly, stroking my hair. I guess that explains the tugging. I stop and take in my situation. Once again, while sleeping we have moved around so that I am lying half on top of him, one leg pulled up and crossed over his. One of his arms is wrapped around my waist while the other is stroking my hair. I take a deep breath, trying to stay calm. I don’t know why I’m so freaked out. This is very different to the other times we woke up next to each other. Those times Bellamy backed off as soon as he realised what was happening, but

now…

“Hi?” I answer him nervously. Bellamy doesn’t say anything. He just keeps lazily stroking my hair and lets out a deep breath. He moves a little adjusting his legs, shifting me slightly.

“Sorry, I’m probably crushing you, I’ll move 1-” I am about to roll off of him when he runs his hand down from my hair. He runs it lightly over my shoulder, down my side and it lands on my thigh. He holds it lightly to stop me moving away, although not so tight I couldn’t pull

away if I wanted to.

“Don’t go.” His arm tightens around my waist.

“I can finally touch you. It’s how I know this is real.” He murmurs. I flush bright red and hide

my face against his chest.

“Just for a little longer then.” I mutter. We lie there in silence for who knows how long, thirty minutes? An hour? Eventually the sound of Bellamy’s phone vibrating on the table by the bed. is enough to force him to move. With a sigh he releases me, sits up and checks his messages. He groans in frustration.

“Word has gotten out about what happened to Tristan, apparently his mother is demanding to see me. It hasn’t occurred to her that I might not be home.” he groans again.

“Does that mean you need to go?” I ask, still lying down in the pillows, reluctant to get up. Bellamy eyes me up and down, something in his gaze I don’t quite understand.

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55–Bedrooms and boundaries

Megan’s almost- marriage. But it can wait a little longer.” He moves closer, leaning over me. I stare up at him, his golden eyes meeting mine. He moves closer again, one arm on the pillow on the opposite

important?” I blurt

answers smoothly. He’s so close now. He leans in, his lips just brushing

He freezes and takes in my expression. Then with a half–smile he moves back a little. He’s still

of

my

asks. I nod, not trusting myself to speak. Bellamy is quiet for a second before he moves and presses a light kiss against my forehead before moving away to sit on the edge. bed. I sit up. Well, this is awkward. I climb out of bed and make my way to the kitchen. I

my voice slightly higher than usual. I step around the tiny kitchen to move around him and put

starts. I keep talking,

I guess, I want

for a second would you?” he asks. I

happened.” He insists. I blush and stare at the floor. Bellamy

situation is uncomfortable. I

were uncomfortable.” He starts. I shrug, that much was obvious

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55- Bedrooms and boundaries

don’t even know what I’m comfortable with so how can I tell him? Bellamy watches my face and seems to understand my internal dilemma. He

been explained to you a little, how Shifters like to be close to those they care about. For me, being close to you is something that comes as easily as breathing, I crave it. I’ve chosen you and as far as I’m concerned that’s the only decision I needed to make. I know it isn’t the same for you and I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.

reach out

He smiles and slowly reaches out and

this?” I nod again. He tugs me a little closer and places his free hand

he checks. I’m bright

He uses the hand on my back to pull me lightly to lean against his chest. Was he always this tall? I feel so tiny. His hand releases mine and

again. I don’t answer, I just lean into him further and lie my head against his chest. He wraps his arms tightly around me and I can feel him press a kiss in my hair. We stand

want him to kiss me, I’m just also super nervous about it. Bellamy seems to take my silence as a refusal. He pulls away, clearing his throat, clearly also feeling nervous. His discomfort oddly

cheek. He uses the other to lightly tilt my head up from under my chin. Then he leans down and lightly presses his lips

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55- Bedrooms and boundaries

grin.