+18 Chapter 27:

[Author's Notes: This chapter has sexual content. Be warned!]

The cough of the man next to me was a shard of agony in my brain. I opened my eyes, squinting at the morning sun that filtered into the room, a beam of unbearable light. I was overcome by nausea, discomfort and a sudden urge to pee. I rolled off the bed, flattening someone beneath me as I put my weight on their stomach to climb off. 

A few minutes later, I walked back in, greeted by the sight of Gale taking off his sick-stained shirt. My eyes involuntarily traced down his form, catching on the well-defined muscles in his abdomen. Despite the headache, a strange feeling welled within me. I walked over, carrying a glass of water I’d fetched, and sat down on the bed. My eyes flicked to the others. Mira and Draven were both asleep - her on the bed, Draven on the floor. I smiled, biting my lip. A devilish idea wormed its way into my brain.

I leaned against Gale’s arm, took a sip of water, and passed the glass to him. He took it without much thought and drank deep. I watched his Adam’s apple bob as he took long, thirsting gulps. While he was distracted, I reached over and ran my fingers across his muscles. He flinched at first, but gave me a curious glance when he realized what I was doing. I smiled up at him. “Protein bars did this?”

He grinned. “And a lot of sit-ups.”

I hummed as I dragged a teasing finger from his stomach to his chest, before resting it atop his bicep. He flexed his muscle for me as I gently squeezed it. I put my other hand to his shoulder and pushed, lowering his back to the bed. I put a finger over my lips, shushing him.

“What are you doing?” He whispered.

“Science.”

“You’re an idiot.”

I silenced him with a kiss. I grimaced at the taste, but didn’t stop. The more I felt his skin, the more it felt like my veins were on fire. A rushing heat built within me like an inferno. His face flushed as our mouths parted. I leaned in again and nipped at his lip. 

Gale was bright red, looking at me in a way I hadn’t seen before. He looked towards the others, seeming somewhat annoyed at them. “Are we doing this right now? Are you sure?” 

I looked over my shoulder. Still asleep. I grinned at Gale. With a challenging stare, I grabbed his hand. After a moment’s hesitation, I brought it to the clasping at the back of my neck, the one holding my dress in place. His thumb gently brushed across my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. He halted as his fingers touched at it.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, “Scared?”

He furrowed his brows before unclasping it, letting the fabric fall into my hands. I held it just barely over the curves of my breasts. Under his watchful gaze, I lowered it, exposing my chest. I unclasped my bra and let it fall to the bed. We froze, before I gently grasped his hand, and brought it to me in a light touch. His fingers tightened at the softness of it. I flinched, lost in the feeling, brain buzzing, when he grabbed me and switched our positions, pushing me into the bed.

“Wha—”

He cupped a hand over my mouth, smirking at me, as the other continued its motions. The heat of his fingers traced across me, lingering as embers that fed the flame within. I jumped as I felt something touch my nipple, jolting like electricity through my body. He pinched it like a whisper, gently rolling it between his thumb and forefinger. The unfamiliar feeling was a lightning bolt to my brain, and I could feel a warmth spreading below. I squirmed at the feeling, bucking against Gale’s body, and he shifted his knee between my legs, spreading them apart. He leaned over and bit and tugged at my earlobes, blowing into them with teasing breaths.

I bit his hand in return, and when he pulled it back in surprise, I caught it in mine and brought one of his fingers to my mouth, nibbling on it. My face was covered in a pounding heat, and I looked up at Gale, blinking away a stray tear. His free hand raised from my chest to wipe it from my cheek, not breaking contact with my skin. He gulped, sweat sliding down his throat as he looked at me. The room was quiet, save for our panting breaths. 

“You’re so beautiful,” He said, his tone hushed and almost reverent.

I looked down at my body, blushing. My dress was pulled down below my breasts, red marks adorning my skin. One of Gale’s knees was in-between my thighs, dangerously close to the dampness I was afraid he wouldn’t touch. I looked up at him, a strange warmth flooding my chest. I felt vulnerable in a way that made me feel safe, simply because it was Gale.

“Aria,” Gale said, “I love you.”

He leaned in and sealed my lips with his. My eyes widened in shock, brain alit with panic. A rush of joy shot through me, tailed by panic and confusion. What had he said? That he loved me? Gale loved the worthless me? I could feel his tongue roaming my mouth, and my thoughts dimmed as his feelings washed over me. Those words rang in my ears over and over, an all-encompassing spark that threatened to boil my brain. 

Something other than attraction flashed through my head, my body, my heart, as I pulled him into an embrace. What was this? Why was I happy? I brushed my fingers in his hair as I took in his scent and his touch. I took in everything that was Gale and I wanted more. 

The sound of shuffling from another bed broke me from my reverie. I quickly pulled Gale’s head to my chest and turned us over, pulling the blanket up. I could feel his breath tickling my bare skin as the pained groans behind us stirred. My body stiffened as the other two finally woke from their drunken slumber. 

Gale’s hand roamed its way to my hip, gently kneading the flesh under the dress. This guy! Even now he found a way to cause trouble. We moved our eyes to meet each other, and he shot me a lecherous grin. I glared at him in a warning. He shifted his head forwards, mouth meeting my skin. I sealed my lips shut, trying not to let out a sound as Gale’s tongue worked across my breast. I reached out and pinched his earlobe to stop him, eyes dangerous. I shifted my knee, and felt something touch my leg. Was that…? I looked down at Gale, my face burning. 

I heard the bed creak as Mirabelle stood up. Draven followed shortly after. The sounds of footsteps behind me sent sweat dripping down my back. If they found us like this… Embarrassment flooded through me. Why did I think this was a good idea!

No, that was the problem. I had the tendency to simply not think. Well, I was thinking now. About Gale’s words. And his eyes. And his surprisingly dextrous tongue…

“Are they still asleep?” Draven asked.

“That appears to be the case.”

“I didn’t think they had that much to drink.”

“Perhaps they have a light tolerance where they came from.”

“I’m starving. Gonna grab something. Wanna come with?”

“It would be nice to have something for when they awaken. So long as you do not use that spell as payment.”

“I already apologized three times…”

The shuffling footsteps wandered about from the bathroom to the kitchen. I heard the faucet turn on as they drank, before finally they left the house, a light conversation between them. 

As soon as the door closed, I pushed from the bed and moved my bra back into place. I faced away from Gale, face brimming with confusion. I looked behind my shoulder as I moved the second strap into position. Gale was sitting on the edge of the bed, hands held together, smiling at me. He looked into my eyes with a gentle warmth. His cheeks were still stained red. 

I bit my lip and turned towards him. I clutched at the hem of my dress, and sat next to him, my back facing him. I pulled my dress neckline up. “Help me?”

Gale hummed agreement, and I felt his thumbs brush a few strands of my hanging hair aside as he clasped the dress. His hands traced down my shoulder to my waist, before gently nudging me to him. I complied, and scooted into him, letting my head rest on his chest. His scent was intoxicating.

“Did you mean what you said?” I asked, afraid of the answer.

“Every word.” 

He gently rubbed the top of my hair, before kissing my forehead. I bit my lip. “Can you…give me time to answer?”

His hand trailed to my chin, tilting it upwards. Our eyes met. He smiled, a warmth I’d never experienced burning in the look. “As long as it takes.”

Our lips met again.