15. Bella
FIFTEEN
Bella
It feels like we’ve been driving all day. The sun has long since set, and the city lights blur into a continuous stream of neon and headlights. My eyes feel heavy, and my body is sore from sitting in the car for so long. We’ve only stepped out to eat or pee. Nothing more than a few minutes at a time.
We’ve talked ourselves into a comfortable silence. I know he wants a simple life, though he won’t say what he’d do with it, says it’s too stupid to say out loud.
I’ve told him about my dreams, about my life. He’s listened, mostly in silence. It’s like we’ve known each other for years when it’s only been a couple of days. I guess trauma bonding is real.
Alex’s focus never wavers while he drives, his hands steady on the steering wheel as he navigates through Queens. We’ve tried several of my father’s haunts but no one has seen him. It’s like he’s vanished off the face of the earth.
“Why don’t we leave New York?” I ask, breaking the silence that has settled between us. “Surely that would mean we don’t have to keep moving all the time.”
Alex glances at me briefly, his eyes reflecting the dim glow of the dashboard. “People tend to stay near the familiar when they hide,” he explains.
“Your dad is no different. He’ll be somewhere in New York, and when we figure out where, we need to get to him quickly. If we leave the city, we could miss our chance. Russo could get to him first and then he’s a dead man.”
I nod, processing his words. It makes sense, but the thought of staying in the city where danger seems to lurk around every corner makes my stomach churn with anxiety. “So, we keep moving around the city?”
“Exactly,” he replies, his tone firm. “It’s the best way to keep you safe.”
The weight of his words settles over me, and I lean back in my seat, staring out at the passing buildings. The thought of my dad being out there somewhere, hiding just like I am, fills me with a strange mix of hope and fear.
We drive for what feels like hours, the city gradually giving way to quieter neighborhoods. Eventually, Alex pulls into the parking lot of another small hotel.
“Let’s get inside,” he says.
The room we get is small but clean, with a double bed taking up most of the space. I drop my bag on the floor, feeling the exhaustion of the day settle into my bones.
Alex closes the door behind us, locking it securely. He turns to face me, his eyes dark with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine. “I’ve spent all day telling myself not to get attached,” he says, his voice low and filled with desire. “I can’t do it. I want you too much, Bella.”
His words send a thrill of anticipation through me, and I take a step closer, my heart pounding in my chest. “I feel that way too,” I admit, my voice trembling slightly. “I thought it was just me.”
In an instant, he’s in front of me, his hands cupping my face as he leans in to kiss me. The kiss is deep, filled with a hunger that matches my own. His lips are warm and demanding, and I melt into him, my hands gripping his shirt to pull him closer.
He hoists me up with ease, laying me down on the bed with a gentle touch. The weight of his muscular body presses against mine, grounding me as his calloused hands roam over my skin, stripping my clothes from me.
Each touch sends a jolt of electricity through my body, igniting a fire within me that I can't contain. I arch into him, wanting more of his touch, more of his body against mine.
"I've wanted you from the moment I saw you," he murmurs against my lips, his hot breath sending shivers down my spine. "You drive me wild, Bella."
I moan softly, my fingers tangling in his hair. "Alex..."
He pulls back slightly, his piercing blue eyes searching mine. "Tell me you want this," he commands, his voice a mix of plea and desire.
"I want this," I whisper, my heart racing. "I want you."
With a growl of satisfaction, he captures my lips again, his hands making quick work of my clothes. I can feel the hard length of him pressing against my thigh, and I gasp as he grinds his hips into mine.
He pulls off his shirt, revealing the chiseled planes of his chest and abs. His hands find my breasts, squeezing them gently before his mouth follows suit.
He sucks my nipples, sending jolts of pleasure through me. The combination of terror, desire, and adrenaline coursing through my veins makes me feel alive in a way I've never experienced before.
His eyes meet mine, and the way he's looking at me makes me feel powerful and desired. I can feel my cheeks burning with embarrassment, but he doesn't seem to notice. Instead, his eyes are hungry as he takes in every inch of me.
"You're so fucking beautiful," he growls, his voice low and husky.
I feel a blush creep up my cheeks. "You make me feel beautiful," I reply.
He leans down and kisses me again, his tongue exploring my mouth with a hunger that takes my breath away. His hands roam my body, touching and exploring every inch of me. I feel a shiver of pleasure as his fingers trace a path down my neck and across my collarbone.
He moves lower, his lips blazing a trail of kisses down my chest. He takes one of my nipples in his mouth, sucking and teasing it with his teeth.
I cry out in pleasure, arching my back as I feel his other hand slip between my legs. His fingers find my wetness, and he begins to stroke me with a firm pressure that sends waves of pleasure through my body.
"You're so wet for me," he murmurs, his voice low and dirty. "I can't wait to be inside you."
I feel a thrill of excitement at his words, my body responding with an intensity that I can't control. He moves lower, his lips kissing a path down my stomach and towards my thighs. I spread my legs for him, eager to feel his mouth on me.
He looks up at me, his eyes dark with desire. "Do you trust me?" he asks, his voice hoarse.
I nod, my heart racing. "Yes, I trust you."
With that, he leans in and begins to explore my most sensitive areas with his lips and tongue. The sensation is almost too much to bear, and I feel myself squirming beneath him as the pleasure builds. He teases and licks me with expert precision, his fingers joining in as he rubs circles around my clit.
I cry out, my body trembling as the orgasm washes over me. He doesn't stop, though, instead increasing the pressure and speed of his movements. I feel myself slipping over the edge again, my body convulsing as I come apart.
He moves up my body, his lips finding mine as he positions himself above me. I can feel the hard length of him pressing against my entrance, and I take a deep breath as I prepare myself for what's to come.
"Are you ready?" he whispers, his voice gentle as he slips on a condom.
I nod, feeling a mix of vulnerability and trust. "Yes, I'm ready."
He pushes inside me slowly, inch by inch. I feel a brief sharp pain but it quickly dissipates as he continues to shift back and forth. He's gentle and careful, taking his time as he thrusts in and out of me with a steady rhythm.
Each movement sends a wave of pleasure through my body, and I can't help but moan as he reaches deeper inside me. He leans down and kisses me, his tongue exploring my mouth as he continues to move.
"You feel so good," he murmurs against my lips, his voice low and husky.
I wrap my legs around his waist, pulling him closer as he picks up the pace. The intensity of the sensation is almost too much to bear, and I feel myself getting closer and closer to the edge.
"I'm going to come," I gasp, my body trembling beneath him.
"Come for me, baby," he growls, his movements becoming more urgent.
With a final thrust, we both reach our peak, our cries of pleasure mingling in the air. He collapses on top of me, his body hot and sweaty as we both catch our breath.
As we lie there, I can't help but feel a sense of awe at what just happened. Our bodies fit together in a way that is both familiar and completely new. In his arms, I feel safe, loved, and utterly satisfied.
After a few moments, he rolls off me and disposes of the condom. He then pulls me into his arms, his touch gentle as he kisses me softly.
"That was incredible," he whispers, his voice filled with wonder.
"It was," I agree.
We lay still for a while, our bodies entwined as we bask in the afterglow of our lovemaking. I can feel myself drifting off to sleep, my body completely spent and sated. As I close my eyes, I can't help but smile at the thought of what's to come.
When I wake up, the room is bathed in the soft glow of early morning light. Alex is still beside me, his arm draped protectively over my waist.
“Hey,” he says softly, his eyes meeting mine.
I notice the sorrow in his expression. “Why do you look so sad?”
“Because I wish this could last forever,” he says quietly. “But it can’t.”
“Why not?” I ask, my heart sinking.
“Are you hungry?” he asks, changing the subject.
“Starving,” I admit, my stomach rumbling in agreement.
“Let’s get something to eat,” he says with a smile while I wonder just why we couldn’t make this work. Maybe because I’m a penniless homeless wreck of a human being. Or because he’s a coldblooded killer. Or, most likely, because he doesn’t want it to work.