Chereads / IN MEDIAS RES / Chapter 5 - CHAPTER 5

Chapter 5 - CHAPTER 5

Floor wood creaking as I step on it, the scent of chalk and strong cologne. Etching itself to the back of my mind, gently tugging a sweater on and sitting on the sofa. The interior was spacious enough yet it held a suffocating feel, the comfort it bestowed was enough to bring me back to my sense. Rummaging through the purse I brought with me last night, a dozen of calls and messages all from Rachel, Alice and Finn. Running a hand through my bed head, calling her back.

"Oh my god! Finally!" her voice croaked as a sigh escaped her lips. "Where are you? Can you come home?" I tussle over and lie on the sofa.

"Rae, I'm sorry," was all I can manage pulling the cushion against my chest as her voice fades.

"Are you okay? Is Elliot with you?"

"I-" taking a deep breath- "I don't actually know." throwing the cushion and walking towards the kitchen across the bedroom I just got out from.

"Lily just come home I'm getting worried."

"Yes, of course. I'll be there, I'm coming home." his hoarse call of my name made me jump, he was there leaning against the door frame.

"I got to go, I love you Rae."

"I love you too." her voice being cut as he stood there.

"Did I wake you up?" my voice croaking as he walked from across the counter, eyes never leaving mine as he shuffled closer. The warm colors of the room not contributing to tension with the long stares, it's as if everything was stuck in my throat.

"I didn't want to over stay my welcome Elliot." speed walking to collect my things that were on the bed, barely reaching the door. His hot breath travelling it's way from the shell of my ear to the skin of my neck, as if a habit my eyes fail to keep themselves open.

"I'll walk you home Lily." placing a soft chaste kiss on the shell of my ear, disappearing into the bedroom as I tuck a strand of hair feeling the surge of heat flow to the apples of my cheeks.

Opening the door Rachel jumped on me muffling sweet nothings as she stroked my hair.

"I think it's about time for me to go?" looking at him as a sweet smile etched on his face as Rachel went back inside.

"Don't go," I said. "I owe you breakfast won't you come inside?"

"If it's alright with you, then I wouldn't mind Lilian," stepping closer as he lifts my chin to look up at his eyes, a small gasp leaving my lips as I break away walking inside.

"So I see Elliot took you in."

"It was late at night I can't just let her roam around Rachel."

"Oh, bite me." clearing my throat to catch their attention as they stop scowling at each other.

"Thank you for letting me stay over although unwelcomed." he shook his head as he indulged into Rachel's conversation of a new project, as I clean off the remainder of what was breakfast.

"For now at least I'll let this go Elliot, I'll come by for a new print at the office." she hurriedly went back inside the loft in that time he was rubbing small patterns at the back of my hand, his eyes fixated on his actions not paying heed to the people eyeing him.

"I think that's enough for today isn't it Elliot?" pulling away from his grasp as he leaned against the frame, one arm holding the knob the other running against the locks of my hair.

"I'd want to do this properly Lilian." pressing his forehead against mine his breath ghosting against my face, it smelled of toast and oranges the lingering scent of breakfast from the table.

"Why?" gently skimming my hands up his arm knees trembling against his touch.

"I'll pick you up soon." grasping my arm bringing it up to his lips, eyes not leaving mine as he placed a chaste kiss on my wrist.

"I didn't even give an answer Elliot." his hands move to brush against my knuckles as he pressed small kisses on each one.

"This," he said breaking away for a moment before leaning in again. "Is enough of an answer." walking away as if he did nothing, letting out a breathe of air heaving to get some oxygen flowing through my lungs.

Threading my fingers on the auburn locks of hair, the scent of chalk and strong cologne. The large white cotton duvet scrapping against my skin and seemingly selenic music from the stereo as I rub my eyes, adjusting to the warm light of the room.

"Can you move my arm is about to fall asleep."

"You're my prisoner for today, stay a little longer." nuzzling his head at the crook of my neck I reach for the papers that Finn handed over earlier, a small mumble of distaste as I wiggle my way out of his grasp and failing miserably.

"Elliot, aren't you supposed to be at work." grumbling under his breath as he tugged on the sleeves of the sweater.

"I was at work, until I stumbled upon a pretty little thing on my door step."

"Oh." scanning the papers mentally taking note of calling the author later, Elliot snatching the paper away putting it as far of on the table as possible.

"Pay attention to me, Lilian."

"Stop calling my full name." he shrugged pulling me closer a small yelp leaving my lips, as he skimmed his thumb against my lower lip.

"If it gets me your focus then its better."

"What even is this Elliot?" running a hand through his hair hearing him heave out a sigh, grasping the opportunity to leave the bed and snatch my papers away. His voice long gone as I rush to get to the couch, turning up the volume of the stereos. Writing down some notes before making a call setting up appointments for Finn, the familiar smell of coffee as Elliot placed a cup on the table as he scribbled away on his notepad.

"What are you doing?" cocking an eyebrow to the side watching him take a sip from his mug.

"It would be rude to state the obvious Lilian." throwing the cushion at him as he tugged on the sweater plunging me back into his chest.

"Elliot, I have to go." placing a finger to my lips before running a hand through my hair, eyes scanning mine as I trace patterns on his chest his hand falling on the small of my back.

"Do you have to? Really?"

"I have to cook dinner Elliot, I can't just abandon Rachel she's my best friend." he scoffed nodding his head pressing small kisses at the palm of my hand.

"Would you mind staying for dinner then?" a smile curling up to his lips as I bit down my lower lip, awaiting his answer.

"I'd love to." the skim of his fingers against my cheek down to my lips, lingering for a moment melting into his touch.