How Many Ways

You're Not Mine

A/N: Yes... I am in fact still streaming Shameless and Liar all. day. long. However, emba91 kept spamming me with angsty/emo Shawmila videos... so then I wrote this chapter.

This is a prequel to the previous chapter (Staking Claim). People were requesting to know about the conversation I reference in the story. So here you all go. 

*******************************

She moved the stem of the wine glass between her thumb and index finger, causing the deep red liquid to twirl around inside the glass. Her eyes staring blankly, not focusing on anything. She was lost in a sea of memories, goosebumps erupting all over her skin as she remembers that feeling of his arms wrapping around her, as she loses herself in his embrace. Her nostrils flaring as she remembers his scent when she buried her face into his chest.

She squeezed her eyes shut, willing the memories to leave her. Hoping the ache in her chest would finally cease. Bringing the glass up to her lips, enjoying the taste of the tangy liquid as it dripped down her throat. Taking in a deep shaky breath, she opens her eyes and nods to the bartender for a refill.

***

He ran his hand through his hair, then jammed both of his hands into the pockets of his jacket. Looking at the entrance to the hotel, he wasn't brave enough to go in just yet. We walked over to lean back against the stone wall. Closing his eyes as memories of her flooded his mind.

The way his breath caught when he watched her sing, how she felt the words with her entire body. He smiled slightly, remembering how she had teased him about dropping her in rehearsals.

Now he was here, at his own hotel, she said there was something important they needed to talk about, her hand had lingered on his chest before she walked away. Whispering a curse to himself. He pushed himself off the wall and walked into the hotel lobby.

***

The tip of her index finger circling the rim of her wine glass, as she continued the struggle against the memories that threaten to overcome her. The hotel bar was nearly empty, as it was just after 11 o'clock at night. She wasn't ready to return to home just yet, and let the loneliness completely overtake her. She was still hoping he would show up before all her courage left her body.

She brought the glass up to her lips, and at that moment the air became thick around her and the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. She could feel every nerve in her body start to tingle. He was here.

She didn't dare turn. If she did it would be her undoing. She gently set her glass down, keeping her fingers wrapped around the steam. She willed the tears to stay at bay and waited.

..............

She was there. Her back was to him, he could make out the lines of her back and the curve of her hip through the dress she wore. It didn't matter how hard she tried; her gorgeous figure could always make any piece of clothing look incredible. He knew she knew he was there, they always had a way of detecting each other without actually seeing or hearing the other. Her fingers were tracing the rim of the wine glass, his eyes drinking her in, roaming over every inch of her. He inhaled sharply and slowly started towards her.

She could feel his eyes on her, she could hear his steps as he approached. Her body was on fire, he hadn't said a word or even touched her yet. She felt the heat from his body as he came up behind her, felt his breath brush against the skin at the back of her neck. Goosebumps erupting over her entire body once again. Her entire body tense in anticipation... of his touch or his voice, it didn't matter. Everything about him caused her body to react, whether she liked it or not.