Strings of Fate

75- Holding and hiding

Bellamy starts towards his office door, carrying me with him. I wrap my arms around his neck to steady myself.

“Bellamy! What are you doing? Put me down!” I demand but I’m breathless with laughter. He pauses in the hallway. Still holding me close.

“Do I have to? I think I’d rather

just keep you here like this. I don’t want to let go.” I can’t

help but laugh again..

“Of course you need to put me down.” I insist.

“Hmm…” he considers me but doesn’t let go. I wriggle my way out of his arms and jump towards the ground. He catches me but lowers me to my feet gently before hooking his arms around my waist tightly holding me close against his chest.

“Go get whatever you need to stay over at my place tonight.” I prompt him. Maybe a change. of focus is what’s needed to escape him, although I can’t say it’s unpleasant having him so close, I’m a little unsure what his goal is. Bellamy leans down and kisses my neck.

immediately, tensing

bringing clothes, maybe a toothbrush and your phone charger. Go on.” I skip away into the kitchen to catch my breath. It occurs to me that this is the first time I’ll be bringing Bellamy home with the intention of staying overnight. All the other times were accidents or he sort of just happened to be there, although I’m now realising that those occasions maybe were more intentional than accidental on his end. In fact most of our interactions have been more intentional on his part than on mine. Well, except for the bracelet I bought today. Maybe that’s why he’s being so

Bellamy is taking me home tonight so you

75- Holding and hiding

if that

with a response from Aaron. I’m not sure what I expected

I realise he’s just sent a thumbs up. He’s even quiet via

I guess it’s fine. Bellamy and I discuss potential dinner options and decide on an easy pasta dish after I search for a recipe online. When we reach the shops, Bellamy rushes to open my car door for me again and offers me his arm. I take it and I’m a little confused for a moment when he moves my hand. Instead of lightly resting on his arm he wraps it around his and pulls me close with it. We wander the aisles together with Bellamy holding a basket while I drop in the ingredients. Every now and then Bellamy will point at a snack or other item with our joined hands and ask me to add it to the basket. By the time we reach the register, the basket is overflowing, even though we’re only making the one meal. How much food does he really need? Maybe he’s just short on a few things and wants to stock up while we’re here because he grabs a few personal items. Bellamy doesn’t release my arm until it’s time to pay. I notice that he takes a moment to brush his fingers across his new bracelet as he takes a card. out of his wallet. I hoped he would like it but I didn’t imagine he would be as pleased with it as he is. The woman running the check out appears middle aged and while Bellamy is putting his wallet away she winks at me, fans her face with one hand and mouths something to me that I’m fairly certain is ‘wow.‘ I take a minute to consider what she’s seeing. Bellamy is wearing dark blue jeans and a grey shirt. His dark hair is messy from when he

different tonight.” I comment. Bellamy goes still, his expression frozen

thing?” His tone is neutral but seems

seem happy I think. Also. very… affectionate.” Bellamy lets

clingy.”

I said, different. I was wondering why.” I explain. Bellamy parks and cuts the engine. He turns

the most perfect gift and demonstrated how much you care for my family. The fact that you took the time,

completely obsessed with you? I suppose I’m not doing a particularly good job of

this between us and our friends for now, but…” I don’t know how to finish my sentence. Bellamy reaches out

take this the wrong way, but I’m fairly sure you would run for the hills if I was completely honest about everything right now.” He explains then quickly continues before I