Defect - By Ryann Kerekes Page 0,64

remember Alex is still standing next to me. “You don’t have to do this, Eve. I could protect you, I could try …”

“No, Alex.” I shake my head. “I know you could, but it’s just better this way.”

He nods and gives me a hug. “Be safe, Eve.”

“I’ll do my best.” It’s the most I can promise.

***

All of the girls are tucked into bed, tired from the day spent training. I lay on my side so I can watch the doorway, waiting for Will. I blink and suddenly he’s there, all six feet three inches of him, filling the doorway. His eyes are locked on mine.

I glance around, making sure that no one is looking and slip quietly down the ladder. I cross the floor to him. When I reach him, he picks me up and holds me against his chest, and carries me from the room. I don’t argue, since I assume he thinks one set of footsteps will be better than two. He carries me all the way to his room.

Once we’re inside, he sets me down. “I could’ve walked, you know?”

He smiles. Suddenly, I’m not sure why he carried me and wonder if it was just for the chance to hold me for longer.

Everything feels accelerated on this three day timeline and now that we’re alone, we don’t waste any time. I grip his shoulders, pulling him closer, and he dips his head to kiss me. We stand pressed together against the door, kissing until I’m breathless.

His mouth is warm against mine, and I lift up on my toes, trying to get even closer. He moves to my jaw, his breath tickling my skin. He pushes my hair to the side and kisses my neck, his tongue leaving a damp path along the tender skin. I feel his breathing grow quicker, and a small moan escapes my lips.

Will pulls back to look at me. “Eve, are you sure … is this okay? Do you want to talk about … anything?”

I don’t answer. Instead I pull him closer by his belt loops, and he’s kissing me again. I don’t want to examine why I can share my body with him, but I still can’t form into words what I’m thinking, how I feel – about him. About us.

Without breaking the kiss, his fingers fumble on the wall beside us for the light switch.

“No. Leave it on,” I say. I want Will to see me. And I want to see him. All of him. I won’t be robbed of this experience.

I grow bold and let my hands explore, pressing my palms against the stubble on his cheeks, running my fingers through his hair and down the back of his neck. His breathing is low and shallow, and he watches my eyes. I trail my fingers down his arms, which are lightly covered in golden hair. My hands continue moving of their own accord, over his firm chest, sliding down his tensed stomach muscles.

I am hyper-aware of every sensation, the way his breathing quickens against my lips, the feel of his tongue, soft and damp moving with mine. I’m aware of his body, pressing me against the wall, our hearts pounding together.

My fingers fumble at the buttons on my shirt. I don’t want anything separating us. Once it’s unbuttoned, I slide the shirt down my shoulders and let it fall to the floor. A strange mix of vulnerability and power swells inside me.

Will stops kissing me and meets my eyes – confusion written all over his face. His eyes stay locked on mine as I undress. I remember the day of my mindscan when I stood defiantly in front of him and the others with my gown peeking open. That day I’d wanted to act unafraid, like I was unbothered by it all, but today it is much harder to pretend. My breaths come in quick puffs and my fingers tremble.

“Will, you can … look at me.” I press my palms to his cheeks and lower his head down. His eyes stay on mine for a second longer, then move slowly down my body. His eyes grow soft, like he’s looking at something beautiful, but I can’t be sure. It’s unlike anyone’s ever looked at me before.

I can tell I have goose bumps across my body. He brings his hands to my shoulders and trails his fingers down my arms. I think it’s meant to warm me, but instead, it sends shivers down my body.

I follow his gaze down and suddenly