Out of the Shadows // Sebastian Sallow

Chapter Eighteen

I think this is the longest chapter I've written as of the story so far... just a friendly warning, it's a long one 😊

I reached the door in the Great Hall that led to the gardens in record time. I stood for a few seconds to slow my breathing and collect myself before I pushed them open.

It wasn't cold yet but a fall breeze made me shiver. I pulled my coat around me tightly and rubbed my hands together.

He was there. Standing with his back to me, facing the puffing smoker that was the exhaust for the Hufflepuff Common Room fireplace.

I watched him for a few seconds. He had both long sinewy arms behind his back, his hands clasped but his fingers were twining and untwining, his feet shuffling slowly back and forth. His face was toward the ground. He was nervous. It was cute.

With his head bent forward slightly, a tiny piece of his usually perfectly quaffed hair had fallen forward slightly. Incredibly endearing.

He looked so attractive. Suddenly, the memories of his bare chest rising and falling in front of me while he stroked the top of my breasts flashed behind my eyes.

NO. Don't get distracted. He's still in the doghouse. I had to mentally whip myself for this moment.

I must have stood there too long because he addressed me loudly.

"Are you going to watch me all afternoon or join me for a walk?" He had turned ever so slightly and I could see a smirk on his soft lips.

"HOW do you do that?" I said, again. It had become my mantra with him.

He smiled and said, "It's your smell. Lavender. And... rose water." He inhaled and closed his eyes. "Also, you're breathing and steps are as familiar to me as my own heartbeat." His face flushed. I could tell he was feeling vulnerable having just revealed personal information. I wonder if he would be just an honest with our forthcoming conversation...

"So, would you like to walk a little with me?" he asked timidly.

"Of course. That's why I'm here." He usually extended his arm for me when asking something like this. But this time he kept one arm behind his back and his other lit his wand to lead the way. So, I just joined his side as we meandered through the gardens, commenting off-hand about the flowers, scenery and the fall chill in the air as we walked.

"Rachel, I need to apologize." He finally spoke, his voice sounding defeated. "I should never have let things get so far the other night. And I'm not talking about... him. I mean, between you and me. We've never... I've never... I mean, we've... " He sighed and put his free hand through his hair to slick it back. "It was inappropriate. I never should have given into my desires like that."

"Ominis..."

He interrupted me. "No. Please, let me finish. Or I'll never get it out. I've never wanted anyone like I want you. All the time. You're exceptionally beautiful. And sexy. And playful. You turn me on." He was flushing so deeply, I thought his face would permanently change colors.

"I just think... we are young. And I've never wanted to be one of those guys who rushes into sex or forces his girlfriend to feel like she needs to do that to remain in the relationship. Because I respect you so much and I care for you deeply. We have so much fun together!" He let out his breath loudly and I could almost see it on the air, in the late fall afternoon coldness. He continued in a softer tone. "I would never want to hurt you. Ever."

There was a long enough pause where I thought I could speak. "Can I talk now?" I said bumping his elbow slightly.

He chuckled, softly. "Of course, my dear."