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.

tickles and I can’t help but push him back. He releases me immediately, tensing at first then relaxing when he realises I wasn’t stopping him because

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

home tonight so you

75- Holding and hiding

today if that works for

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

when I realise he’s just sent a thumbs up. He’s

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

I comment. Bellamy goes still, his expression

bad thing?” His

observation. You seem happy I think. Also. very… affectionate.” Bellamy

I’m being clingy.” He remarks. I

a little. It’s not a bad thing, it’s just like I said, different. I was wondering why.” I explain. Bellamy parks and cuts the engine. He turns and meets my eyes, basically locking me in place

in a five minute period you gave me the most perfect gift and demonstrated how much you care for my family. The fact that you took the time, that you care…” he inhales

good job of hiding it tonight.” He admits. My jaw drops open. That was a much more extreme

I want to keep this between us and our friends for now, but…” I don’t know how to

don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m fairly sure you would run for the hills if I was completely