Novel Square
18
Chuckling, she grabbed him by the hand and led him into Sarah’s room. They adjusted the sheets together and climbed in, Mike taking the place closest to the edge of the bed, Danni lying near the wall. There seemed to be a tension between the two of them. It was because they were siblings and lying in bed together, he suddenly realized. He’d gotten a little used to the idea of being intimate with one of his sister’s and hadn’t realized how odd this might be for her, especially given her attitude towards him just a few days previous.
She had been his mortal enemy just a day or two ago, and now she was seeking refuge with him, needing to be next to him just so she could sleep. He wished there was something he could do to comfort her, to let her know that he’d watch out for her and protect her, that he’d be there as long as she needed him. He found himself marveling again at how their relationship had changed so quickly.
He turned over and looked at her. She was facing him and staring at him intently. He didn’t know it at the time, but Danni was replaying the kiss she’d given him, over and over in her head. “Why did it feel so nice?” she kept asking herself. It was only her brother. Yeah so he’d come dashing to her rescue, but come on, she was the partier of the family. She didn’t even believe in that romantic crap. “Why the hell did it feel so damn good, then, jackass,” she asked herself for the umpteenth time. She suddenly realized they were staring at each other.
He lifted a hand and ran it along her cheek, brushing her hair back. All the tension between them faded and she pulled close to him, laying her head next to his chest, immediately relaxing and feeling sleep’s soft tendrils creeping up on her. He kept running his hand through her hair and deeply inhaled the way she smelled, relishing in it, really. She smelled like strawberries and apples again, maybe a little peach too. Her warm legs entwined with his and she worked herself even closer, burying her face into his chest and pulling the cover closer over them. He could feel her breath on his chest, could feel her breasts pushing into his stomach.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
She sighed deeply, contentedly. He was so warm, protective. He lay there with her for what seemed like hours, gently caressing her cheek. She felt so safe, feeling the rhythmic breathing of his larger body next to hers. She marveled at how good it felt to lie there. She couldn’t believe this was the same brother she’d tormented, and was amazed that after all the evil things she’d said and done that he’d come to her rescue without any hesitation. She’d gotten herself in trouble, and he’d immediately rushed to save her. She nuzzled into his chest gently.
He’d paid a steep price for it as well, receiving a beating on account of her selfishness and bad decisions. She didn’t know how she’d ever thank him enough. Slowly, she began to drift off to sleep, finally able to quiet the terrible thoughts that raced through her mind when she wasn’t cuddled next to him.
Mike lay there for what seemed like hours, just brushing her hair, twirling it in his fingers, forcing himself to stay awake until he was sure she was asleep. Soon he heard the rhythmic breathing of her sleeping next to him. Smiling, he finally closed his eyes and drifted off into the darkness of sleep.
No voice… no nightmares… just sleep.