Chapter 120: Comfort and Protection
Demetri drove through the deserted streets at three in the morning, the world bathed in the eerie glow of streetlights. The silence outside mirrored the weariness within him. His hands gripped the steering wheel, even as his mind wandered dangerously.
As he entered the silent home, his eyes automatically scanned the corner where he usually found Nora. But of course, she must be asleep an the place was dark. His shoulders slumping, he trudged towards his own room, intent on not going to Nora tonight. It was an unspoken rule between them. If they’d been together then they would sleep in Nora’s bed, if not, they would simply sleep in their own respective beds.
However, his feet seemed to have a mind of their own. Lost in his own thoughts, he found himself standing over her bed, looking down at her peaceful sleeping form. It made him feel detestable. Everything had been so clear when he had found Nora. Why did he have to change the rules to his own game?
Looking at her peaceful face, Demetri betrayed all thoughts of returning to his own room and sighed over his own lack of control. Discarding his clothing, he slid into the bed with her. But even as he felt her warmth draw him close, it was not enough to simply share the bed. His hand glided along her waist, resting to a stop on her soft stomach. Gently, he pulled her into his embrace, fitting their bodies together like the pieces of a puzzle.
Nora stirred in her sleep, disturbed by the movement and tried to wake up. Opening her blurry eyes, she looked up into Demetri’s clear ones and snuggled even closer to him as she said softly," Demetri? Weren’t you not coming tonight?"
Demetri nodded and kissed her forehead, "Yes. But I am here now. Sleep. We’ll talk in the morning."
With a lazy ’ummm’ Nora went back to sleep, tucking her head under his chin. Demetri’s hand slid under her shirt, drawing lazy circles on her stomach as he sighed deeply, letting her closeness comfort him. Only he knew the truth of what a mess he had made. He couldn’t help but wonder if he was destined to make such a mess for his brother.
As he continued to be lost, his fingers moving unconsciously over her, Nora opened her eyes. How was she supposed to sleep when the man was teasing her? As she glanced at him with sleepy eyes, wondering if he wanted to do something more than sleep, when she realized that he was lost far in thought.
Puzzled, she turned toward him, concern furrowing her brow at his odd behaviour over the past few days.
"Demetri?" she whispered, the hushed tones of the night surrounding them. Demetri’s fingers clenched for a moment before he sighed and reassured her," Everything is fine. Just sleep."