“No!” Sophie barked. “You are not going anywhere. You’re barely standing up, Henry. I won’t allow it.”
He raised an eyebrow at her. “You won’t allow it…” He repeated the words, trying to process them.
“Exactly.” Sophie folded her arms to her chest. “I’ll guarantee that Elaina will not allow it, either.”
“I don’t recall either one of you being the leader here. Nor I do recall asking permission.” Oh, shit. Bossy Henry was back.
“Things change when our fearless leader is injured. You know you aren’t in any condition to go back so do not even try it. We have to conserve ammo, and there is no way you will be able to fight.”
She was right, and he knew it. Defeat was written all over his face. He rubbed his eyes. Sophie stepped into the family room and waved Claire and Thomas in. “We need to go back to Henry’s flat. I would like the two of you to come with me. After hearing about your batting practice at the medical facility, I think both of you are perfect for this job.”
Claire spoke up. “I don’t know. I was hyped up trying to get what we needed for Mrs. Cooper.” Thomas stood silent, as usual.
“I understand that, but if we don’t go then we could be in dire straits later.” Claire sighed. She looked at Thomas, and he just stared at the floor.
“Can I talk to Nick about it?”
“If you must.”
***
Claire walked out to the main living room, where the staring contest between Kellan and Nick continued. “I need to speak with you.”
“Alright.” Nick never took his eyes off of Kellan. Claire waved her hand in front of his face, trying to get him to look at her.
“Can we do this without asshole here listening?”
“Uh, yeah.” Nick got up and went out to the front porch. Claire followed behind him. He stood where he could watch Kellan from the window.
Ever since the burial, they had been spending more time alone together. For the most part, they would hang out on the porch together, chatting about anything and everything. They were growing closer day by day.
“Sophie wants Thomas and me to go with her back to the apartment.” She almost didn’t finish her thought before Nick spoke.
“I’ll go.”
“I knew you were going to say that. This is the issue I see. Sophie is scared to death of Kellan. I don’t know exactly what he did to her, but I am gathering it wasn’t very pleasant. I don’t think we can leave her alone with him. He might get to her.” Nick agreed, but he still wasn’t fond of the idea of Claire leaving. “Elaina can keep Henry in check. Can you keep an eye on Kellan?”
He ran his hand over his heavily stubbled face that was riddled with worry. “Yeah, I guess. I really don’t want you going out there, but I don’t have a choice, do I?”
They stood staring at one another for a few moments. Nick reached out to Claire’s face. His icy fingertips brushed across her cheek. She relaxed and closed her eyes. It felt like it had been many moons since someone had touched her. She reached up to his hand and slid her fingers down his arm. Nick shuddered.
He stepped closer and embraced her, nuzzling his nose into the crook of her neck. He kissed her neck and worked his way up to her ear. Her breathing quickened. She felt that familiar stir deep inside of her, and it made her feel alive.
She had always had a crush on Nick, but he never noticed her. He was always too busy chasing someone else. She watched him date a variety of girls before he headed off to college. It used to piss her off. She never felt she was good enough for him.
He slid his cool lips across her warm, blushing cheek. Nick whispered her name. He reached up and held her face in his hands.
With wild passion, he kissed her and kissed her hard, possessing every inch of her mouth. He felt himself harden, while thoughts of taking Claire ran through his head. He groaned as she ran her hands down his pronounced chest.
At first, Claire returned his hungry passion, but then she pushed him away, breathlessly. “I’m sorry,” Claire whispered. “I don’t know if this is a good idea.” Nick hung his head, looking sad. “I just have so many questions. I mean…”
He held up his hand to stop her. “I understand. When you get back, we’ll see what Henry and Sophie know about, uh…about relationships.”
Nick nervously ran a hand through his hair. He didn’t want to say anything about being intimate for fear that Claire would think that was all he wanted from her. He was desperate to be with her. After all of their conversations, he realized what he was missing in his life.
It was her.