TWENTY FOUR

DAMON

"I don't want you," I replied quietly. "I will never let you have your way, Selena."

Why does that feel like a lie?

Why does my heart thump each time I tell myself that?

Why does it feel like I am denying myself something I want when in fact, I am almost certain I don't want Selena.

I don't want to be with a woman who tortures people and controls the country.

So, why?

Why does my heart keep acting like I'm feeding it lies?

I gave up searching for the key and just stood facing the door as the sound of running water reached my ears.

Then, I quickly washed my hands because I couldn't bear to see the blood on my palms anymore.

~

"You should have joined me," Selena spoke as she stepped out of the shower.

I finally turned. With a determined look on my face, I glared at her. I noted the tiny bubbles of water that formed around her shoulder area. A small tattoo was imprinted on her upper chest as well.

With that same determination retained, I found myself thinking about something I had never thought of.

As I started to take slow steps toward her, I imagined what it would be like to turn the tables.

She has the upper hand when it comes to the attraction she claims exists. Selena has the ability to make me feel flustered and she always walked away with confidence in her strides.

Why would she do that?

What gives her the right to confuse my heart in such a way?

Because of her, I keep contradicting myself.

Because of her, I keep feeling caged.

Because of her... I keep thinking about giving in to her ridiculous deal.

"Damon?"

I finally halted my steps as I stood barely inches away from her.

I have to get the upper hand. I have to stop getting flustered by her every flirtatious word.

Without a word, my right arm snuck its way around her waist. I could feel its slimness as much as I sensed the little emotions in Selena's eyes.

"Wh-what are you doing?" Her eyes began to dart to and fro. She appeared uneasy.

I wore a smirk on my lips.

Still no words from me, I leaned my head closer to hers. With a teasing look in my eyes, I began to gently circle the breath from my nostrils all over her lips.

My lips stayed inches away from hers and I maintained the teasing.

"Damon." Her voice sounded heavy. And, unsure. She was about to make contact with my chest when I grabbed her hands above her head and dragged her to the nearest wall.

As I pinned her to the tiled wall, my eyes caught how her chest kept heaving significantly.

"Is it finally happening?" Selena asked as her eyelids batted furiously.

"Do you think it is?" I could barely recognize my voice. It was thicker than usual and it sounded seductive as well.

"If it is," Selena pressed her chest against mine, "I am glad."

As I felt her chest against mine, I finally realized something.

All this while, I have been staring at her lips. Each time we meet, something within me always wanted to capture her lips in a way she would never forget. Even at that moment, I wished to take advantage of our position. I wished to kiss her.

"Damon." One of Selena's legs began to caress a side of my lap. "Don't lose what you want."

"I told you," I breathed hard, "I don't want you."

"Lies." Her eyes darted to my lips briefly. "You are so close to kissing me. You keep leaning toward me. So, why are you lying?"

Lies...

Why? Why does Selena read me so well?

My head is so jumbled with thoughts that it is very easy to feed myself lies.

I know how I feel each time I am around her. I always fall into an entrapment like earlier. I may scorn her when we stand together, but, at night, she was the one I was thinking of.

Oh my goodness... I am indeed insane.

Why is this woman so good at confusing me?

I have never had it this hard when it comes to women. While I never dream about dating the women I meet from time to time, I always found it easy to decline their advances.

But when it comes to Selena, I am such a coward.

I can't say yes nor can I say no.

I know what my issue is yet my fear keeps getting in the way. I keep doing a back and forth with my emotions.

As my eyes pierced Selena's, I released her arms.

"Damon Jones?" Her voice caressed my ears and while I wore a frown on my forehead, I quickly pulled her closer to me.

My arm circled her waist and my fingers dug into her side as my eyes roamed the wetness on her body which was already drying up.

My lips were slightly apart as I began to force myself to decide.

Do I walk away or do I finally give that starving part of me what it wants? Do I walk away or do I give Selena what she wants?

I was in the middle of this battle when I felt certain warmth against my lips.

My eyes bulged as I closely watched Selena's eyes close as she leaned her lips even closer.

I could feel my heart race more than usual and, before I knew it, my eyes closed as well, my other arm went around her waist and I found myself kissing her back.

Without mercy, we kissed. Intensely and insanely, our lips kept pulling each other. Our tongues kept clashing as that moment grew intense.

"This feels so dangerous," I found myself murmuring as I turned my head to make the kiss even hotter.

"It is. And, I love danger," she replied with a smirk. Selena made her arms go around my waist and I took one of my hands into the length of her thick, beautiful hair.

Gently, I pulled and tilted her head so I could gain more access. It felt so natural. It felt so good.

I wanted more and more.

I didn't want to stop.

And, I didn't stop.

Soon, I was gently tugging at her towel and when that material hit the ground, I broke the kiss. I stared at the sight in front of me and for a second, I realized I was about to give myself to Selena.

I was so close to changing my mind, but, I felt a great twitch in my pants. Even if my head wanted me to walk away, that growing erection would not let me. My racing heart would not allow it either.

So, I pulled Selena closer and continued our heated kiss as my hands went on to embrace her naked buttocks with a hint of possessiveness in my action.