Seduce Me ~ The Path To Forgiveness

Path One, Step Nine: A Dance to Remember

I went to bed early that night but I couldn't tell you how long it was before I actually fell asleep, my thoughts keeping me tossing and turning for hours. I've never felt this way before, never even had so much as a crush. It's frightening to realize I'm falling for Erik and even more so to wonder if the charming playboy with a mysterious past could possibly feel the same way. When I finally do drift off my dreams are haunted by his face.

I find myself reluctant to start the day as I wake up before my alarm, the sun shining abnormally bright for so early in the morning, and slowly get ready. I decide upon a loose fitting black t-shirt, an unusual choice for me especially while having guests in my home, and matching yoga pants that reveal the same scars covering my lower legs. Though I'm still terrified of the unwanted attention the exposed skin will bring I find myself oddly comfortable with my choice. I stand in front of the mirror in my bathroom, slowly running a brush through my hair, when I hear a soft knock at the door.

"Come in." I call, setting the brush down on the counter and exiting the bathroom as the door swings open.

"Should I come back when you're dressed?" Erik asks by way of greeting as his eyes skim over my unnatural selection of clothing.

"I'm already dressed." I reply, looking down at myself with a frown. "Why, does it look weird?" I self consciously pull at my sleeves in an unsuccessful attempt to cover more of my bare arms.

"Not at all, you look lovely. If this is Damiens doing perhaps I can find it in me to forgive him for upsetting you." He smiles, presenting me a plate of breakfast food stacked between two crispy slices of toast.

"Are we not joining the others for breakfast this morning?" I ask as I take a seat on my bed and take a bite of the sandwich, noting that it's strangely cold.

"Morning? Try afternoon, my sweet. I was beginning to fear some horrible accident had befallen you." He laughs, seating himself beside me as I stare at him in disbelief. I reach for my phone on the nightstand to find it dead, having completely forgotten to plug it in the night before.

"I can't believe I slept that long, what time is it?"

"Nearly one and every girl needs her beauty sleep, I feel as though I could use more myself." He yawns, lying back on the bed.

He remains quiet as I quickly clear my plate and when I'm finished I set it down on the nightstand. I turn to him, prepared to ask our plans for the day, when I freeze as I suddenly realize why he's been so silent. He's fallen asleep. I can't bring myself to wake him up as I finally notice how exhausted he looks. He has heavy bags under his eyes and his hair, usually so meticulously combed, is disheveled. The buttons on his shirt, normally expertly clasped, are only half done showing off several inches of the pale skin underneath and the defined curve of his collarbone. His arms are splayed out above his head, hitching up the hem of his shirt to expose his bare midriff. My eyes rake over his body in fascination, down his stomach to the sharp dip of his hip bones and I fight the urge to run my fingers along them. I gasp sharply and turn away, my face hot with shame as I realize where my thoughts have roamed. I throw myself back on the bed in embarrassment, realizing my mistake too late as my head lands on Erik's outstretched arm. Before I can move away he shifts, rolling over to face me, and wraps an arm around my waist. He pulls himself close, nuzzling his face in the crook of my neck, and mumbles softly.

"Five more minutes."

I wait a few seconds, my heart hammering wildly in my chest, before breathing a sigh of relief. He's still asleep. I spend several minutes trying to wriggle out of his grasp but he's much stronger than I would have guessed and it becomes clear that I'm not going anywhere unless I wake him up. I resign myself to laying here staring up at the ceiling while listening to Erik's steady breathing. After several tense minutes I feel myself relaxing, surprisingly comfortable in his arms, as my racing heart finally slows. I lay here for some time trying to picture what the charity ball will be like, with no success, when Erik's voice startles me.