**Healing Slowly But Surely**
By R. Joseph
**106 Falling into her trap.**
**Caelum.**
The clock was inching toward midnight when Chalice finally staggered through the door, her appearance a chaotic reflection of the night’s events. Her eyes were glassy, hinting at exhaustion, while her lipstick was smudged, a stark contrast to her usually polished look. Her clothes hung awkwardly on her frame, and her hair was a wild mess, reminiscent of a bird’s nest after a storm.
I felt my heart drop at the sight of her. My eyes widened in concern, and I sprang to my feet, instinctively wrapping my arms around her delicate shoulders. “What happened to you?” I asked, my voice laced with worry.
“Abby and Chantel got into a fight,” she hiccuped, her voice shaky. “…and I was rough-housed while trying to separate them.”
I didn’t know who Chantel was, but I had a vague recollection of Abby. My gaze softened as I processed her words. I pulled her closer, feeling the warmth of her body against mine, and began to stroke her hair gently, hoping to soothe her.
Yet, I couldn’t shake off a lingering feeling of unease. With her body so close, I caught a whiff of something different on her skin. It was wild, almost primal, with a hint of masculinity that sent a chill down my spine, making me feel more unsettled than comforted.
Leaning in, I inhaled deeply, burying my face in the crook of her neck. “You smell… weird,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.
She paused, confusion flickering across her features. “Huh?”
“I said you smell weird. Different, even.”
Chalice let out a chuckle, but it was strained, lacking its usual warmth. “If I smell weird, it must be the mix of several people’s scents on me. The fight was pretty intense. Some shirtless boys who were skateboarding had to jump in to break it up.”
Oh.
Her explanation made sense, and I felt the tension in my chest ease slightly. I pushed aside my unwelcome thoughts and gently helped her to her feet again. This time, as I lifted her in a bridal carry toward the bathroom, she didn’t protest. She let me guide her, even allowing me to assist her in removing her clothes and shoes.
As I settled her into the tub filled with warm water, I spoke softly, “You should bathe now, okay? I’ll go whip up something for you to eat.”
Just as I turned to grab some shampoo, her hands suddenly clasped around my wrists. “I’ve had dinner,” she purred, her voice sultry.
I smiled, trying to keep the mood light. “Okay, that’s fine then.”
“And I want you.”
The air in the room seemed to thicken, and I froze, my heart racing. My eyes widened in disbelief, and I gulped, feeling a dryness in my throat. Chalice began to tease her hardened nipples, making low, seductive sounds, her gaze fixed on mine with an intensity that made my heart pound.
“Come join me,” she drawled, her voice dripping with invitation.
Oh, how I wanted to. The desire surged within me like a tidal wave.
“No, baby. You don’t seem too… you don’t seem too good, and my brothers… they’re not here… you know what I mean!” I stuttered, heat flooding my cheeks as I tried to maintain some semblance of restraint.
But Chalice was undeterred.
Slowly, she rose from the tub, water cascading down her flawless skin like glistening jewels. My breath hitched at the sight, and I felt my resolve weaken.
“Chalice…” I started, but she silenced me with a finger pressed to my lips.
“Shhh…!” she whispered, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
“But…”
“Shut up and fuck me!” she snapped, impatience lacing her tone, and I felt my jaw drop once more.
I attempted to push her away, to regain control, but her hands were already trailing down my body, igniting my skin with every touch. The more I resisted, the harder it became to think straight.
She blocked my path as I attempted to step out of the bathroom, tilting her head with a playful pout. “You don’t want me?”


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