Control by Melissa Cassera

Author:Melissa Cassera [Cassera, Melissa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mogul Scarf Productions, Inc.
Published: 2023-03-27T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Three

NATALIE

Where the hell am I?

I stir awake, not quite able to peel open my eyes. Chilled air nips at my skin, and my body trembles with an onslaught of wind. A tightness pulls in my chest, as if my lungs are starved for air.

Am I floating? I’m certainly not walking—my legs are jelly.

Am I dead? Is this what happens when you die?

I blink hard to clear the cobwebs from my sight. There’s a familiarity in this space. The trees above—old and twisted and blanketed in colorful leaves with dead edges, the first glimpse of winter just around the corner. A rich mahogany flag flutters in the chilly breeze, our school’s emblem dotting both sides with bright yellow.

School.

My memory floods in.

I recall Henry’s lips pressed against mine, causing a stir of heat. We’d crashed to the ground, and I felt him everywhere. I lick my lips, noticing my mouth still tastes of him. He devoured me, slow and passionate—nothing has ever felt as good as that kiss. Nothing.

Then… what the hell happened?

My senses crawl back into my brain as I look up at Henry, realizing he’s carrying me. He doesn’t seem to notice that I’m awake. I savor the brief moment to study every angle of his face—the sharp peaks, his delicious jaw, his lips. Those lips.

Our gazes clash and concern washes over his gorgeous face. He lies me down onto the ground, as gentle as glass. I normally hate being treated so delicately, but somehow, when he does it, it’s a whole other story.

“You’re okay.” Not a question—he seems relieved.

I nod and attempt to speak, but nothing comes out. My throat is dry and cracked, as if hundreds of tiny knives are stabbing at it.

I study Henry’s face, and my body aches with an overwhelming urge to kiss him again—to pull him down on top of me. I try to ignore my desperation for him. I’m not a desperate girl. I bite down on my lip, a feeble attempt to crowd out my hunger for him.

“Can you walk?” he asks. Clearly, he’s not picking up on my desperation. Good.

I nod and press up to stand, but my legs are far too weak and give out. In a split second, Henry’s there, steadying me.

I manage to croak out a few words. “I don’t know what happened.”

“Did you eat this morning?”

I shrug, honestly not remembering. I can’t seem to concentrate on anything right now—least of all what I ate, or didn’t eat, earlier.

*

He carries me to the gate, and in some Herculean effort, manages to lift me over and help me land safely on the other side. We try not to make a scene as he helps me across campus, back to my dorm, his arm tucked around my waist—enveloping me. His warmth is so comforting. So… damn… hot.

Once tucked safely inside my room, Henry helps me into bed. He even pulls the covers around me—the sweetest of gestures that only makes me want him more.

He opens the small fridge in my room and studies its contents.

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