Chapter 40: Chapter 40: Trouble

Chelsea’s brain screamed to leave even as the head that housed it leaned to accept his gesture. If his body were destined to incinerate her, his lips would surely melt her. As he took possession of her with his mouth and now arms, she felt her legs weakening.

The once strong and rational part of her brain went up in smoke and she offered no resistance as he scooped her into his arms. She couldn’t breathe. Her hands shook. Things were spinning out of control. “Wait.” She said it once, but didn’t even hear it herself. The second time came out much louder and he stopped.

Jake put her down, but she didn’t want to stop touching him. “Do you have any candles?” she asked.

“In the kitchen.” His voice came out as if over sand paper.

“Let’s go there then.”

The storm seemed to be abating. More time passed between the flash of lightning and the roar of thunder.

Jake took her hand and towed her behind him.

“Sit,” he commanded and he put her hand on the back of a chair.