Roll For Initiative

23. Lucian

I wasn’t sure whether I was dreaming or not when I felt her featherlight touch running up my jaw and cheek. She was touching me so carefully to not wake me up, but I am an exceptionally light sleeper. I pretended I was still asleep, though, because I wanted to see what she would do. I could feel her heart racing as she leaned in to kiss me. It took everything in me not to wrap my arms around her and deepen the kiss. When she moaned, I couldn’t help it. I slightly shifted, and she felt it. She hesitated and broke the kiss. I felt so empty without her lips against mine. Now, I am even more confused. Should I tell her how my feelings have changed over the last few days? Do I risk ruining such a perfect friendship? All of my other relationships never lasted because something always felt off, like it was missing something. Could she be what was missing? I think about this for the next hour or so. I am running through all the reasons I should or shouldn’t tell her that I am falling for her when I hear her soft voice, barely above a whisper.

"It's beautiful. Isn't it?"

I look down at her laying on my chest. She is so beautiful. Her hazel eyes have flecks of gold around her pupils; she has a light dusting of freckles dotting her face. Her lips draw me in, though. Especially when she bites her lower lip. I’m too enamored by her to respond. If I do, I will definitely let the cat out of the bag. I want to tell her that she is one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. I want to wrap my hand around the back of her neck and pull her down against me, kissing her until we both can’t breathe. But no, I just stare.

She seems to have had enough physical contact with me and goes to stand up, careful not to put weight on the bad shoulder. It doesn’t seem to be hurting too bad this morning; she isn’t wincing like yesterday.

"Do you want to get some breakfast? Then we can get the cleaning supplies. We could go to Ninas, " she asks.

I still can’t speak; I just nod as I get up and make my way to her guest bathroom. I need a minute to breathe to get my thoughts together. I hear her pass the bathroom as I sit on the bathtub's edge. I need to tell her, but when?

*Ding* *Ding* *Ding *

Who the hell is blowing up her phone? I hear her pass by the bathroom again. I quietly open the door and peer around the corner. She is looking at her phone furiously as she replies. Then she locks it and whips it into the cushions of the couch. I silently slip back into the bathroom and shut the door. I don’t want her to know I was spying on her.

“Lucian, I’ll be done in 15.” She says as she walks back to her bedroom and slams the door before I can even respond.

As soon as I am sure she isn’t coming right back out, I go back to the front room. I need to know who pissed her off so bad. Fuck! This Theo guy is a possessive dick head. I scroll through to see if he has always been this much of a dick. Nope, he actually seems like a decent guy up until today. So apparently, Allie backstabbed her and told Theo before Cassie could. Fucking bitch.

I also love how fast she was to make it a point I am “Just a friend” to her. I think we both can feel there is a bit more to this than just friendship, but whatever. I feel guilty snooping, but I need to make sure he is treating her well and taking care of her. If she tells me she wants to be with him, I will back down if he is. But, if he even shows the slightest mistreatment toward her, or she is only in it for the Dom/sub aspect, well, Theo can get the fuck out of my way. I would step up and replace him in a heartbeat.

I am curious about what is going on Saturday. Maybe I’ll have to do a little recon and see for myself what kind of man this Theo is. I lock the phone, quickly put it back where it was, and sit on the couch just as Cassie walks back into the room.

“I figure we can go grab a quick bite at Nina’s, hit up the store for cleaning shit, then make your place sparkling clean. You owe me dinner. My allergies are going to be horrible after this.” She giggles as she is pulling her hair into a high ponytail.

“Sounds good. I’m starving. We have to grab my car tonight, too.” I hope to God it turns over. If not, then I guess I’ll be working from home until it is fixed. Aight, let’s go.” I say as I head out toward her car, her close behind me.

Ninas is an insanely popular casual diner. Think of coney island but more homestyle meals. The amount of butter they cook with will kill you, but you will die a happy man. Happy and full. We grab a booth in the back, and for a Thursday morning, it is pretty busy. We sit quietly as I sip my coffee, and she sips her orange juice.

*Ding* *Ding*

She picks up her phone, her brows crease, her mouth pinching shut.

“Cass? Everything OK? Who is it?” I ask, touching the back of her hand. She jumps.

“Oh, just a friend... from school. There is a project due soon that I forgot about.” Lies, Lies, and more lies. This girl is too anal about schoolwork to ever forget about a project.

“You sure? You look pissed. Are you sure you are, OK?” I ask, grabbing her hand in mine. Please just open up. I’m begging her with my eyes.

“Yes, I’m fine!” She snaps. “I’ll be right back. I need to use the bathroom.” She pulls her hand free and walks away. Oh, look, how convenient. She left her phone behind. It’s like she wants me to find out all her secrets.

I opened it, and honestly, I was not shocked by what I saw. Theo texted her twice.

Theo- *What the fuck did I say, Cassandra? Now you have your “friend” spending the night? *

Theo- *You will regret lying to me. *

What the actual fuck. So, he is not only stalking her, but now he is threatening her. Because how else would he know that I stayed the night? Fucking psycho. I set the phone back down, and a few minutes later, Cassie slid back into the booth, looking calm as if nothing had ever happened.

“So, what kind of character are you making for tomorrow?” I ask, trying to lighten the mood.

“A Tiefling. Female. She’s badass.” She says proudly. She loves building characters as much as I love building campaigns.

“A natural good Tiefling? Never heard of one like that.” I tease. Cassie’s characters are always good.

“Nope, she’s going to be chaotic evil.” I practically spit out my coffee.

“What! Since when have you chosen that alignment?” She laughs at my shocked reaction.

"I don’t know, I just thought maybe it’s time for a change." She looks down at her cup.

"Well, I can't wait to see what she's like." I clink my cup to hers. She gives me her adorable, nose-crinkling smile.

The server drops off our food, and my mouth is practically watering. We got a bunch of stuff to share; pancakes, french toast, eggs, sausage, biscuits, and gravy. Fucking delicious.

We finish up, and I will take the bill up front to pay while Cassie packs up the leftovers.

As I hand the bill to the older woman behind the register, she glances back at Cassie in the booth. Then back at me with the biggest smile on her face.

“You two make a beautiful couple. Your eyes light up when you look at each other. It’s the kind of true love that not many people get in a lifetime. It reminds me of my late husband. God rest his soul. He was my soulmate.” She grabs my hand. “Don’t ever let her go, sugar. Cherish every moment together.”

“I won’t let her go. She’s my better half.” I can’t even hide my smile. It’s not a lie either; she truly is my better half. I think over the kind, older woman’s words as we head to the store. I need to tell her how I feel today. She needs to know.