Chapter 18: Drunk In Lust

~“I want this too” —Sabrina Claudio.~

Chapter Theme Song: “Stand Still” by Sabrina Claudio.

HARMONY

Blaze opens the door to his room and steps aside, inviting me in. I hesitate for a moment before stepping inside, immediately drawn to the soothing palette of moonlight blue and gray.

His room isn’t what you’d expect from a typical teenager. There are no posters of scantily clad women or sports heroes plastered on the walls. Everything is neat and tidy, so much so that I doubt there’s a single speck of dust anywhere.

A king-size bed with gray sheets sits in the middle of the room, a large window draped with blue curtains above it. A blue dresser sits to the left, looking like it cost a pretty penny. A gray wardrobe with gold knobs stands nearby, hinting at his father’s wealth.

The whole house, inside and out, is too extravagant for an average person.

I hear the door close behind me and turn to see Blaze walking towards the wardrobe. He opens the top cabinet and pulls out a gray blanket.

“You can sleep on my bed,” he says, laying the blanket on the duvet. I smile at him, grateful.

“Thanks.”

I sit on the bed, enjoying the way the mattress seems to mold to my body as I kick off my boots. Blaze watches me from across the room, hands shoved in his pockets.

I lay down, nestling my head into the soft pillows, and unintentionally breathe in the scent of ~him~.

He’s everywhere. On the bed, the sheets, the pillows. His scent is intoxicating.

I think about all the times he must have slept here and my cheeks heat up. It’s a strange thought, but it makes me feel closer to him.

I haven’t slept in a proper bed in a while. The one at the dorm is uncomfortable and leaves me feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep.

It’s nice to be able to lay down without worrying about a spider dropping down on me.

Blaze watches me with a small smile on his lips. When I glance over my shoulder, he quickly wipes it off and points behind him.

“I’ll be downstairs,” he says.

As he turns to leave, I remember that I haven’t apologized to him yet.

“Wait, Blaze.”

He turns back to me, hand on the doorknob. “Yeah?”

I swallow and stand up, not bothering to put my shoes back on as I walk over to him. The tile is cold under my bare feet, making me wince with each step.

“I just wanted to say...” I grimace, hopping from one foot to the other to try and keep them warm. Blaze laughs.

“Why didn’t you just put your shoes on, Harmony?”

My face turns red. “It takes too long, and I didn’t want you to leave before I could say what I needed to.”

His smile fades as he studies my face. I clear my throat.

“Um...thanks for what you did in the cafeteria.”

He knows exactly what I’m talking about and just nods. “You don’t need to thank me. She was being rude, and I don’t care about her feelings like I do yours.”

His words leave me speechless. ~Did he just say he cares about me?~

“Is that all?” he asks, and I shake my head quickly.

“No. I...I’m sorry.”

He runs a hand through his hair. “For what?”

“For not trusting you.” I look down, feeling guilty.

“It’s okay, you don’t need to apologize. You have every right to distrust me. I’m not a good guy.”

I shake my head, disagreeing with him. “No...that’s not what I see. You’re a good guy to me, Blaze. You might not be an angel, but you’re not ~a bad~ guy.”

I mean every word. The way he took care of me during my asthma attack has only strengthened my belief in him. I know he’s not as bad as everyone says. And I’m going to prove it.

He lets go of the door and shoves his hands in his pockets, towering over me.

“That’s because I treat you differently. That’s because I care about your feelings. I normally don’t. So, I’m a bad guy to everyone else. And majority rules.”

~Why does he treat me differently than everyone else?~ I open my mouth to ask him, but he beats me to it.

“See you later. I’ll be downstairs.”

He turns to leave, and I sigh in disappointment as he reaches for the doorknob. It doesn’t budge. He tries again, but it’s still locked. We both look at each other, confused.

“It’s locked?” I ask.

He sighs. “Yeah, from the outside. The door is like that. If it gets locked with the key from the outside then whoever is on the inside won’t be able to leave.”

I frown. “But who would lock the door from the outside?”

Blaze leans against the door, shrugging. “The person who has the key. James.”

I scratch my forehead, confused. None of this makes sense. “Why would he do that when he knows we’re inside?”

“Probably hoping I fuck you...” He mutters it under his breath, but I hear him anyway.

My eyes widen at his blunt language. Blaze has a way of speaking that’s raw and unfiltered, and it’s something I’m still getting used to.

He notices my reaction and chuckles. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to say it like that. I meant sex; he’s probably hoping we sleep together or something.”

Even with his attempt to soften the language, the topic still makes me uncomfortable. Sex isn’t something I like to talk about. It always leaves me feeling anxious and uneasy.

“Hand over your phone.” He stretches his hand out to me, and it hits me that I didn’t bring my phone tonight.

It was a pretty dumb move, considering I’m not at Homewood, but it’s a mistake I make often since I don’t have many people to chat with.

I already talked to my mom this morning and Callum’s been swamped lately, so we haven’t been talking much.

It’s clear we’re probably one of those friendships that fade when apart. I hope not though; he’s a good friend. Maybe we can reconnect over the holidays.

“I don’t have it, where’s yours?”

“James has it. He borrowed it, remember?”

I nod. “Oh yeah...I forgot.”

He sighs and raises his eyebrows, drumming his fists against the door on either side of him. “So, we have to wait until he’s done with his silly game.”

I purse my lips, unsure of what to do now. Being trapped in a room with him is incredibly awkward, but he doesn’t seem bothered by the fact that we’re locked in here together.

He moves away from the door and heads over to a gray safe in the corner of the room. He squats down and punches in the lock combination before swinging it open.

The scent of alcohol fills the air as he pulls out a bottle of what looks like liquor before closing the safe again.

He walks over to his dresser and flops down on the gray carpet, leaving me standing awkwardly in the spot he left me, like a statue.

He chuckles at this, shaking his head. “You should sit, Harmony. Are you going to stand there all night?”

I twist my lips, and he pats the spot next to him, a smirk playing on his lips. “Join me.”

I look at him skeptically, and he raises an eyebrow.

Reluctantly, I walk over to him, pulling my skirt down before sitting on the rug next to him.

I stretch out my legs, making sure my thighs are decently covered as I lean back against the dresser. He glances at me, still smiling. “Comfortable?”

I smile back a little. “Yeah, thanks.”

He sits up and pulls a bottle opener from his pocket, fitting it around the top of the liquor bottle before twisting it.

The bottle opens with a loud pop and the hiss of escaping gas, and I watch as he lifts the bottle to his mouth, taking a long drink.

His Adam’s apple moves as he swallows, and suddenly, I’m fascinated by it.

I’ve always wondered why people drink, especially since it doesn’t seem to taste good, judging by the grimace on their faces after a sip.

“Does that taste good?” I ask, and Blaze pulls the bottle from his mouth, his lips now wet as he wipes away the residue.

“I guess, why?”

“It’s just that...I’ve never drunk before,” I admit, looking down at the rug beneath us.

The corner of his mouth lifts, and a glint of what could be admiration flashes in his eyes. “Wanna try it?”

I think about it for a moment before slowly nodding. “Yeah, okay.”

He hands me the bottle, and my small fingers can barely wrap around it, making him smile softly. “It won’t affect your asthma, will it?”

I shake my head. “No.”

He leans his head back against his dresser, watching me with amusement. I lift the bottle to my mouth, ignoring the fact that his lips were just on it.

I close my eyes and start to gulp down the liquid, hard and fast, as if it’s just a bottle of water.

Blaze sees that I’m about to finish the whole bottle, and he chuckles as he quickly takes it from me. “Harmony! Jesus.”

I scrunch up my face, sticking out my tongue at the bitter taste. “What?”

“You don’t drink it like that.”

“Did I do it wrong? But that’s exactly how you did it.” I wipe my lips.

He laughs. “That’s because I’m used to it. You’re not, so you could get drunk.”

“Oh,” I say, and he smiles and shakes his head.

“Watch. You take small sips like this.” He takes the bottle and lifts it to his lips again. He pulls it away quickly, and the liquid looks untouched.

“When you drink in the future, just take small sips, okay? You could get drunk and I don’t want you doing anything crazy...when I’m not around.”

I nod then reach out to him again. “Can I have more?”

He looks unsure as he narrows his eyes. “Are you sure?”

Honestly, it tastes terrible, but there’s something addictive about it. It gives me a strange rush; a thrill I’ve never felt before.

The feeling is new and exciting, and I can’t help but want more. Now I understand why people drink.

“Yeah...I’m sure,” I say.

He hesitantly hands me the bottle, and I take it from him and take another sip. Not as much this time, following his advice.

We start to share the bottle, passing it back and forth after taking small sips.

And now I can feel a slight change in my body.

I shake my head a little and Blaze looks at me, grinning as he takes the bottle from my hand. “No more, okay? You look tipsy already.”

~He’s right. I feel strange.~

The room is spinning, and I feel like I’m floating on fluffy clouds. ~Is this what that guy meant when he said the drink would make me walk on stars?~

Blaze watches me with concern as he takes a sip of his own. “You okay?”

I nod, touching my forehead. “I think...I feel...lighter.”

He almost chokes on his drink as he laughs. “Are you drunk already?”

“I don’t know...I just feel weird.”

“Enough, okay? I’m feeling pretty weird too. I think we’ve hit our limit.”

He sets the bottle down and leans his head against the dresser. I follow suit, and the room stops spinning for a moment.

Silence settles in, and I debate whether to mention the rundown Mal gave me about what might have happened with his sister.

But Blaze seems at ease right now, and I don’t want to spoil the mood, so I swallow my words and decide to save them for another time.

He tilts his head, still resting against the dresser, to look at me. “How are you feeling?”

I shrug. “I can’t put it into words.”

He chuckles. “Promise me you won’t drink again. You’re worse than a lightweight.”

I laugh because his words ring true. “You’re one to talk. Your eyes are telling me you’re just as tipsy as I am.”

He grins at that, his white teeth gleaming. “You wish. Misery loves company.”

“Whatever.” I giggle, and he chuckles along with me.

The silence returns, broken only by the faint sound of music from downstairs.

Blaze’s captivating eyes are locked on mine, and mine on his. We’re not saying anything, but the silence isn’t awkward.

Our smiles have faded, and his expression has turned intense, tinged with what I recognize as desire.

My breathing quickens because I know that look all too well. It’s the same look he gave me after I sang that night at his dorm.

His head starts to lean in, and I tilt my face up to meet his, silently signaling that I don’t want him to pull away.

He looks into my eyes, and I can tell he’s a bit drunk, but I can also tell that he knows exactly what he’s doing.

“Can I kiss you?” he asks softly.

I swallow nervously and nod.

Without hesitation, his cool lips press against mine. My eyes flutter shut as he reaches a hand up to cradle the side of my neck.

This kiss is different from the one we shared at his dorm that night. This time it feels like we’re sharing a million emotions; like somehow, we’re becoming one just through a simple kiss.

My legs feel weak, my stomach twisting into a blissful knot of anticipation.

His warm tongue gently probes against my lips and I instinctively part them, feeling as he skillfully slides it inside.

It feels strange and intense as it sweeps against the walls of my mouth, and I timidly try to slip mine in too, sighing in contentment when I manage to do so without throwing him off.

He places a hand on my waist, pulling me closer and pressing my body against his as he deepens the kiss.

The taste of his mouth is the familiar minty flavor from the first time our lips met, and I can detect the sweet taste of the liquor we just drank. It’s a heavenly experience.

He grips my waist in his strong hands, and in no time, lifts me onto his lap as if I weigh nothing. The sudden move catches me off guard and I stare at him with wide, startled eyes.

My thighs are pressed against his while my hands reflexively grip his shoulders.

His lips curve into a smile, his perfect dimples making my heart flutter even more. And then I feel it—a large bulge pressing against the area between my legs.

Heat floods my face immediately, and Blaze notices and chuckles knowingly.

“What?”

I shake my head and lower my gaze. “Nothing.”

He grips my waist in his hands, and with his lower lip caught between his teeth, he subtly presses me down onto the hardness in his jeans.

Feeling him easily through the tights I’m wearing under my skirt, I hold my breath as heat rushes to my face.

He looks at me with hazy eyes, pretending to be innocent, but I know he knows exactly what he’s doing from the smirk on his face.

“No, tell me, what is it?” he prods softly, his eyes now focused on my lips. “Tell me why your face is so red, Harmony...”

He’s clearly teasing me. I’m sure he knows why I’m blushing this much.

I swallow hard as my chest rises and falls with each anxious breath. “Nothing...”

“Are you sure?” He whispers in my ear, and a shiver runs down my spine as his lips brush against my skin.

“Because I can feel how wet you are through your tights...so I’m pretty sure something is making your body react like this.”

My stomach flips at the desire in his voice, and he repeats the gesture, pushing me harder onto the bulge in his jeans. I tremble at the feel of his arousal, which has grown even more, pressing against me.

He continues to do this while he leans back to study my flushed face. The way my lips part in desire tells him that I’m enjoying what he’s doing, and so he continues to grind our lower bodies together.

Slowly and firmly. With lust-filled eyes locked on mine.

It’s strange to think that we’re fully clothed, yet I can feel all of him as if there are no barriers between us. Each time he lowers me onto him, he lifts me again, just to repeat the same pleasurable motion.

He kisses along my neck while his hands continue to press me against his erection. His lips are soft as he pulls the skin on my neck between his teeth, gently sucking on the area.

It stings a little, and he soothes it with a kiss, pressing his cool lips against what now feels like a bruise. I’m sure there’s a red mark there left by him and I just hope April doesn’t notice it later.

His warm hand trails along my leg, leaving goosebumps in its wake.

“You’re full of surprises, Harmony.”

I meet his gaze, but my eyes are so narrowed from desire that I can barely see him.

“I never would have guessed you have such sexy legs,” he murmurs, and my heart flips in my chest. The arousal between my legs has intensified and my hands become tangled in his shirt.

“I guess there’s more to you than meets the eye...”

Squeezing my thighs in his hands, he rests his forehead against mine, biting his flushed lip as he continues to grind against me.

I’m now aware that my skirt has ridden up, but I’m not sure if it’s the adrenaline or the alcohol that’s given me the confidence to let it be.

“Can you move against me?” Blaze whispers, his voice low and inviting. “Would you like that?”

I blink at him, not quite understanding. “Move against you how?”

His smile is slow and knowing. “Like you’re riding a horse.”

Understanding dawns on me and I can’t help but smile back.

“With our clothes on, of course,” he adds, as if reading my thoughts.

I want that too, but I keep that to myself. Blaze is the kind of guy who says what he wants, but I’m not like that. I keep my desires locked away.

The alcohol has loosened my inhibitions, and I find myself moving against him without a word. He seems pleased, his hands tightening on my waist, guiding me. His eyes never leave mine as he leans in, our foreheads touching.

“You said you couldn’t dance earlier, but look at you now. You’re a natural.”

I blush at his words, but I don’t stop. This isn’t like me, but I push the voice of reason aside as he moves with me.

He throws his head back, eyes closed, a satisfied sigh escaping his lips. “Damn, Harmony, you feel so good.”

My hands are on his shoulders, my thighs against his, my hips moving as if I’ve done this a million times before. The friction between us is intoxicating, and I have to look down to make sure we’re still dressed. When I look up, Blaze is watching me, his eyes heavy with desire.

“It feels good, doesn’t it?” he asks, and I can only nod, my eyes closing as he pulls me in for another kiss. “Go faster...”

I do as he says, my grip on his shoulders tightening as he sighs against my lips.

“You’re so sexy,” he murmurs, and I melt against him.

A soft moan escapes me, and he captures it with a kiss. His lips trail down my chest, his words sending a shiver down my spine.

“You’re a good girl, Harmony, but I can tell you want to be bad...”

His words have me burning up, and I don’t stop moving as his hand slips under my blouse. I wince at the unfamiliar touch, but I don’t pull away. Sweat beads on my forehead as his hand moves higher.

“When I’m done with you, you’ll be surprised at how naughty you can be. Just for me...”

I bite my lip as his hand moves higher, but then the sound of a key in the door freezes us both. I quickly move away from Blaze, fixing my skirt and standing up as the door swings open to reveal April and James.

“Here they are!” April exclaims, rushing in. “James, you idiot, you locked them in here!”

“It was an accident!” James protests, but Blaze and I know he’s lying. Not that we mind. ~Did I really just think that?~

“Sure it was,” April retorts, rolling her eyes at him. She turns to me, her expression apologetic. “Sorry about that, Harmony.”

I give her a nervous smile, and she turns her gaze to Blaze, who’s running a hand through his hair.

“You didn’t try anything with her, did you?”

She’s glaring at him, and he opens his mouth to respond, but I beat him to it.

“No, he didn’t. We didn’t do anything.”

He looks at me, and I quickly look away.

“Exactly what she said. I didn’t do anything,” he adds, grinning at his cousin who’s still glaring at him.

“You better not have. I don’t want you corrupting her. Stay away from her, Blaze. She’s too good for you.”

“Yeah, yeah, I heard you the first time, April.”

“I mean it, Blaze. Leave her alone.”

“I heard you. Geez, you’re such a buzzkill. Come here.” He tries to kiss her forehead, but she steps back, still glaring at him.

“Get away from me.”

He laughs. “Don’t be like that. You know you love me, April.”

“I do not,” she snaps, but I can see the smile she’s trying to hide. She takes my hand, leading me towards the door. “Come on, Harmony. It’s late.”

“I need to get my boots.” I quickly grab my shoes from the bed.

As we head for the door, I glance back at Blaze. He’s watching me, a smile on his face. He winks at me, and I can’t help but blush as I turn away.

~^”I’ll let you set the pace, cause I’m not thinking straight. My head’s spinning around I can’t think clear no more. What are you waiting for?” —Ellie Goulding. (Love Me Like You Do.)^~