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

of his death and 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

important?” I blurt

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

in my expression. Then with a half–smile he moves back a little. He’s still leaning over me,

of

my

I climb out of bed and make my way to the kitchen. I don’t know what time it is, but I’m hungry, Bellamy probably is too. I open my fridge and stare at the empty shelves. I’m a bit overdue to do the

need to eat out.” I tell him, my voice slightly higher than usual. I step around the tiny kitchen to move around

Bellamy starts. I keep talking, well, more like

want to check on Megan so I don’t really mind

you?” he asks. I sigh and turn

floor. Bellamy likes to face

about it?” I respond. This entire situation is uncomfortable. I don’t know how I’m

uncomfortable.” He starts. I shrug, that much

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55- Bedrooms and boundaries

he explains. I look up at him helplessly. “How should I know?” I blurt out. I don’t even know what I’m

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. If you can’t tell me what you’re okay with, then you’re going to have to tell me when you’re not okay with something. For example.” Bellamy steps in closer to me, not super

out and touch

nod. He smiles and slowly reaches out and

again. He tugs me a little closer and places his free

or not?” he checks. I’m bright red at

to lean against his chest. Was he always this tall? I feel so tiny. His hand releases mine and loops around my back

lean into him further and lie my head against his chest. He wraps his arms tightly around me and

as a refusal. He pulls away, clearing his throat,

He examines my face, making sure I mean it. Then a slow smile moves across his face. He reaches out and places one hand on my cheek. He uses the other to lightly tilt my head up from under my chin. Then he leans down and

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55- Bedrooms and boundaries

grin.