16 The Devil in Me Ch. 16

Chapter Sixteen:

Shay:

I stared skeptically at the dress in front of me.

Why did she want to coordinate outfits with me?

She grinned wide at me.

"Jody," I said slowly, "What the hell?"

Saturday came a lot quicker than I thought that it would.

I didn't think that she would really choose these dresses for us to wear.

From what I heard about her Devil Delaney, he was very much going to enjoy her in that dress.

I haven't even met him yet, but I felt like they were a good match.

We went to a few different places yesterday, but I wasn't able to find something to wear. Jody decided to surprise me with the matching dress.

Her dress is light pink and ended mid-thigh. It has dark pink dots and dark pink buttons that go down the length of the fabric in the front.

She wore sandals that matched the color of her dress. They reminded me of Spartan sandals with the braided straps that wrapped around her foot several times. They went above her ankles.

"Shay," Jody said, "Don't question, just wear."

I frowned as I looked at the matching yellow dress. Instead of dots, it had tiny checkers. It is a nice dress, there is no doubt about that.

She also got me a matching pair of Spartan sandals as well. Mine are orange, though, instead of yellow.

"You already said you would do it," Jody said, "No backing out now."

I made sure to let out the most dramatic sigh I possibly could. It was for fun, not real.

Jody grinned at me as I made my way to the side of my room just to change into the dress.

"We talked about this," she pointed at me, "No bra."

I frowned. Why does she remember these promises?

Why does she make me even agree to these things?

"Fine," I said.

I shut the drawer before I could even pull one out.

"I like to cover them sometimes," I stated.

"Doesn't it hurt, though?" she asked.

I shrugged, "Sometimes, but it isn't too bad."

"So now I know your secret kink," she said, "You like it when your nipples hurt, huh?"

I turned to glare at her.

"Oh yes," I said, "Because I'm the one with the nipple obsession."

She shrugged, "You're not wrong."

I couldn't help but laugh at her admission.

I think everybody that she told about her piercings could figure that out. She was really proud of them.

It made me wonder what Noah would think about mine.

"Get your ass ready already," Jody whined.

I groaned the whole time I got dressed.

She giggled the whole time, and it made me laugh while I tried to feign frustration.

When I was just about ready, I saw her put on glitter matte lipstick.

We both made sure to wear our rings for the program. I wore it every day now.

"Wear this," Jody tossed me a lipstick.

I popped the cap to see the red color.

I shrugged before making my way to a mirror to apply it.

I made a loud popping sound with my lips once it was all on.

"Hot," she said, hovering behind me.

I felt a little self-conscious about the lowered front of the dress. The V shape exposed more of my breasts than I would like.

The things I did for this woman.

"Let's go," she said, "I don't want to be late."

I felt good. I felt like we could turn heads when we walked down the street.

I knew Jody could. I felt like I could too.

"Damn," Jody said, "We look good."

I laughed as I shook my head at her.

How did she know what I was thinking?

She handed me my black purse, and we were ready to go.

Noah:

I didn't understand.

My body was fucking exhausted, but no matter what I did, I couldn't sleep.

How is that even possible?

I took another sedative. It didn't work.

I didn't like how this felt.

Maybe Delaney shouldn't have told me that his mate was coming today.

That there was a small possibility that Shay might come with her.

I didn't know what to do with myself.

What if she came? What if I got to see her today?

What if Baird made it so I couldn't see her even if she was?

Frustration settled in my gut.

My body was suddenly awake.

No.

There was no way I would be able to feel her from this distance.

The pain started at my toes and slowly ascended my leg.

I hated this feeling. It is painful.

I stood up, and I knew that she was here.

How the hell did I exist without knowing she existed?

I ground my teeth.

I didn't care what it cost me. I was going to see her today.

I got to my feet, and I went right to my closet.

The first shirt I saw, I grabbed and put on. A long sleeve white shirt with three buttons at the neck.

This was one of the few shirts I know I looked good in. It's thin, and it shows off my upper body muscles.

The next piece of clothing I went for was jeans. Dark blue jeans, a little slim.

Lastly, black lace-up shoes.

I knew Baird was going to be pissed.

Right now, I didn't give a shit.

I was up and out the door. I didn't even need to think about it.

My body moved. I didn't even have to think about where I was going.

I walked a little faster than usual. I tried to tell myself to walk slow, to act normal, but I couldn't.

I knew what waited for me when I got wherever it was my body was going.

My skin hummed at the thought.

I reached the program center, and I frowned.

She wasn't here with the others.

Where is she?

I felt a light tug, and I turned before making my way to the small garden.

Where would you wait if you didn't have a meeting?

I made my way through the procedural doors.

My body hurt the closer I got. There was no doubt in my mind.

She is here.

I laid eyes on the fountain before I saw her.

The small section of steps hid her, all but her leg.

I hesitated before walking towards her.

My skin sang the closer I got. The excitement was almost too much.

I noticed that she was reading, and I felt a little bad that I was about to disturb her.

If anything, I would watch her.

Fuck, that sounded creepy.

"Shay," I said once I was almost next to her.

She jumped a little and turned to look at me.

Her hand went over her chest.

I could hear her heart pounding.

I fought the groan that threatened to come out of me.

"How are you?" she asked.

Her eyes sparkled in the sunlight.

"I've been alright," I said.

It felt like I was lying to her the second the words came out of my mouth.

She stared up at me.

"You don't look alright," she said, "You seem tired."

How the hell?

I let out a small laugh.

"Really?" I asked, "Does it look that obvious?"

She leaned forward before standing up.

"I wouldn't say it's obvious," she said, "I just kind of feel it."

I opened my mouth to respond, but whatever comment I was about to make abandoned me.

She looked stunning.

"You look beautiful," I said.

The yellow checkered dress was short, and it revealed more of her chest than I think I could handle.

"Oh," she said, "Thank you."

She glanced down as if she forgot what she was wearing.

It was cute and a little funny.

"You look good today, too," she said.

She poked just under my right collar bone.

The physical contact made me gasp.

"Sorry," she said, "I forgot."

I shook my head, "It feels good when you touch me."

I could see the red increase in her cheeks.

I wish we could do more of that. More touching.

This time was different than before. I didn't have to concentrate to get the scent of her skin.

"Same as last time," I said, "Watermelon and lemon."

I could drown in the smell.

"Yes," she whispered.

She leaned forward, and the top of her head touched my chin. I could hear her small intake of breath through her nose.

"Are you smelling me?" I asked.

She giggled as she backed up, "It's only fair."

My body quaked.

The effect she had on me was insane. Is insane.

"Come sit next to me," she said.

She sat on the second to lowest step. I sat two more up.

"Just because you're tall doesn't mean you have to sit so high," she stated.

It all honesty, it was to give me a little space.

I didn't want to be too far away, but I also didn't want to have a big reaction.

She leaned back to look at me, and I couldn't feel my hands or my feet.

From this angle, I could perfectly see down the front of her dress. At those piercings, I have already heard so much about.

"Shay," I gasped.

She looked at me a little confused before looking down at her dress.

It took her a minute to realize.

Her hand went over the front, and she cursed under her breath.

I don't know what came over me, I moved so that I was behind her.

My legs were on either side of her.

"Noah?" she asked.

I couldn't stop myself, and truth be told I didn't want to.

I leaned over just a little so that I could see them again.

She leaned back against me.

"Is this a good idea?" she whispered.

I shook my head. My hand was already moving before either of us realized it.

My right hand made contact with the skin just under her neck.

Where my skin made contact with hers, I felt a tingling sensation.

"Noah," she breathed.

I couldn't stop now.

My hand ventured down towards the V of her dress.

She took in a breath, and her head leaned against my cheek.

I wanted her.

The pain behind my eyes only meant one thing. They were changing.

My index finger made contact with the piercing on her left breast. I groaned.

She puffed out her chest, and I spread my hand so that my pinky could just barely graze the other piercing.

She sucked in a sharp breath.

The pain in my jaw hit hard.

Fuck, not now.

I turned my head so that my mouth touched the side of her face.

"Don't move," I said quickly.

She tried to turn her head to meet my lips.

I couldn't let her look at me right now. I felt just how significant the change was now. I needed to get out of here, now.

I pressed the side of my watch into my leg. I needed a sedative.

I couldn't bring myself to move away from her. I needed to keep touching her.

My finger traced the length of the piercing, and she squirmed under me.

Her nipple hardened, and I couldn't help but let out a small sound.

I remember a color being at each end, I just couldn't remember the exact one.

"Shay," I said.

I heard the gravel in my voice, and it surprised me.

"Noah," she said back.

This woman was going to be the end of me.

"What color are they?"

She let out a small laugh before adjusting her position. She moved up a step, and she leaned into me.

"Noah!"

I glanced up to see Steven.

I retracted my hand from her dress, but I kept my hand on her.

"What is it?" Shay turned her head to ask.

"Don't look at me," I said.

She stiffened.

"Are you alright?"

I took in a shaky breath.

"No," I admitted.

Steven moved closer, and I could see the three others behind him.

They worked here for security purposes.

For times like these.

"Did you bring it?" I asked him.

He nodded.

He showed me a syringe, and I felt a small amount of relief.

"Let me have it," I said.

"You need to move away from the girl first."

"You know I can't do that," I said.

Shay held out her hand for the needle.

"It's okay," she said, "Let me have it."

How is she not scared?

Steven didn't look like he liked this situation at all.

He moved forward reluctantly and handed the syringe to her.

"Open it," I said, "Then hand it to me."

Her hands shook as she pulled the plastic off, and I felt guilty.

She held it to the hand I rested on her shoulder.

I took it.

"Move away," I said, "And please don't look."

She didn't move.

"Shay," I said in a pleading tone.

"I'm not going anywhere," she said sternly.

I had to lean back so that I could get to the vein in my other arm.

This part was the worst.

I didn't have any training, and I could miss it.

I couldn't be a danger to her.

My thumb pressed down hard at the bend of my left arm, and I saw a good vein.

I brought the syringe to it, before directing the needle to pierce my skin.

I let out a small sound once it broke the skin.

Shay turned as I pushed the liquid into my arm.

Fuck, it burned.

Her eyes looked worried, and I regretted being here.

Only a little bit.

It hit hard, and I felt my body getting heavy.

This is a lot stronger than usual.

Baird was standing there now.

Where did he come from?

The pink-haired girl was right behind him, and she looked worried.

Delaney had his hand in front of her, ready to hold her back if he had to.

Baird was the only one that dared to come close.

I didn't think I would react the way I did, but I growled at him.

My hand went around Shay's stomach to keep her close to me.

"Noah," he said, "What were you thinking?"

I hated it when Baird talked to me like a child.

Even though what I was doing was incredibly childish.

"Shay," Baird said, "I will need you to move away from Noah, please."

She took in a breath.

My grip loosened on her. I pressed my face to the side of her head.

Please don't leave me.

I knew I thought it, but I wanted to say it out loud.

It was too much to ask of her.

"I think I will stay right here," she said, "So he has a minute to calm down."

Her hand went over mine.

I could kiss this girl. I wanted to kiss this girl.

My body felt heavier.

My forehead rested on her shoulder, and her hand went to the back of my neck.

"Shay," Baird said, "Now is not the time to argue. The sedative is kicking in, you need to get away from him, now."

Her fingers gently went over my neck, and up a little into my hair.

"How are you feeling?" she asked me.

She blatantly ignored Baird. I knew he was going to do something about that later. I just hoped it wasn't to separate us longer.

I don't think I could answer her. I felt so fucking heavy.

"Jody," Baird said, "Could you please talk some sense into her?"

I couldn't see her reaction, but that meant Baird was getting desperate.

Did he really think that I was going to hurt Shay?

Shay:

My skin tingled where he touched me.

I wasn't sure how much more I could handle.

I certainly wasn't expecting any of this.

Jody sat down in front of me.

Did Baird really think that Noah would hurt me? Even after he took that sedative?

She crossed her legs and grinned up at me.

"This your boy?" she asked.

I already knew that she was going to embarrass me.

I could feel Noah try to lift his head from my shoulder to see her.

My hand forced his head back down.

"Yes," I said.

My eyes went to the boy not too far from her, the one with the long dark blue hair.

"Is that one yours?"

She grinned.

"Noah, right?" Jody asked.

"Yes," I said.

"You better be good to her," Jody said.

She didn't use this tone very often. I knew she was trying to sound scary. The big sister came out of her.

"I'm okay," I said to her.

"I'm talking to him," she stated.

Noah just slightly moved his head.

"I'm not sure he can respond," I said, "That sedative is hitting pretty hard."

"He still seems pretty conscious to me," she said, indicating where his arm wrapped around me.

His grip was still very much possessive.

"He is still awake," I said, "But I don't know if he can respond to what you say to him."

I used my nails on the back of his neck, and he groaned.

"What did you just do?" Jody asked accusingly.

"What?" I asked.

Noah turned his head again, this time, I could feel his forehead on my neck.

"Jody," Noah said.

"Well shit," Jody said, "You heard me, right?"

"Yes."

"Good," she said, "This girl is my family. I don't give a single fuck if you're a Devil or not, I'll fucking end you."

"I would avoid this topic of discussion," Baird stated.

"I got it," Noah said, "I won't hurt her, not if I can help it."

He was having a hard time talking. I could hear it in his voice.

"That is a shitty response," Jody said.

"It's the best one I've got right now," he said.

"I love her," Jody said, "And if you are her soulmate, you on some level already do too."

He didn't say anything this time.

"Jody," I said.

"I'm serious," she said, "Talking to Delaney made me realize the connection you guys have to us, and it's terrifying."

I didn't know what to say to that.

Noah picked his head up to look at her.

"It is," he said, "For all of us, not just for you."

I looked at him, and his eyes were still gray and lilac.

"But you feel sure," she said, "We don't."

It was strange to hear her say it, but she was right.

How did you just know in your gut that one person you don't even know is meant to be with you forever?

"That is our job," Noah said, "And it sometimes doesn't work."

"But you only get one," she said, "How do you move on from that?"

He shook his head slowly, "We don't."

"That is some heavy shit," she said, "To put that on us, to put us in a position like this."

I glanced over at Delaney, and I could see the hurt on his face.

"Come over here," I said to him.

He looked surprised.

"I advise against this," Baird said.

"Baird," I said as calmly as possible, "Sometimes people need more than just a one on one in an interrogation room."

"It is the protocol for a reason," he said.

"Yes," I said, "And I understand that, but kindly fuck your protocol."

He cleared his throat awkwardly.

Delaney sat down on the floor next to Jody.

"Hello," I said to him, "I'm Shay."

He smiled. I could see a bit of relief.

"I know, I have heard a lot about you," he said, "And I am Delaney."

I nodded, "Same."

Jody rolled her eyes at our greeting.

"Yes," she said, "You both are hot, can we move on?"

Delaney looked confused.

"Just go with it," I said, "She does that to change the subject."

"We were talking about you and Noah," Jody stated.

"No," I said, "We were talking about how terrifying it is to be put in this position."

I could see the bit of regret on her face for bringing it up.

"How do you feel about that?" I looked at Delaney.

"It is scary," he admitted, "But a true soulmate will accept you."

Noah leaned the other way so that he could rest his head on his hand. His elbow rested on his leg so that he could hold his head up.

People started to walk through, and Steven had to direct them around.

"Keep everyone away," Baird said to the men wearing dark blue polos.

"Did you ask him everything you wanted to?" I asked Jody.

Her eyes met mine before she nodded.

"Are we stuck having to meet here?" I asked.

"Yes," Noah said.

I felt this profound grief at the idea of such a small existence with him.

"Why?" I asked.

"Because we are Devils," he said.

"Can't you learn to control it?" I asked.

"Eventually," Delaney said, "But we all have different triggers."

"Finding our mate changes everything," Noah stated, "So all the years we spent keeping ourselves in check, is pretty much useless."

"Mostly," Delaney added.

"This is bullshit," I stated, "In a situation like this, everyone suffers."

"You sound so disappointed to be stuck here with me," Noah said a little playfully.

"It's not that I am stuck here with you," I said, meeting his gaze, "I want to get to know you and see how you react outside of this controlled experiment."

"You want a normal relationship," Baird said, "Nothing about this is normal."

"I know," I said, "Believe me, I understand that."

"A little bit of privacy wouldn't hurt," Jody said.

Delaney glanced over at Baird, and he either didn't get the hint, or he ignored it.

"This is my job," he said, "I am in charge of everyone's safety."

"So, that means no dates outside?" I asked, "At all?"

"Does this really make you think being out in public alone is acceptable?" Baird asked, indicating to us.

I guess he had a point, but this is what a couple would do.

That is what I wanted for us. To be happy and to be able to do whatever we want.

"I am truly sorry that this situation is what it is," Baird said, "But this is how it has to be for now."

I could feel the mood of everybody drop.

"I'm sure," I said to Jody.

She looked at me, confused, but then she realized what I meant.

"Really?" she asked, "Already?"

I nodded.

She smiled lightly at me, "This is the first time you've acted like this when it comes to someone you like."

I could feel Noah's eyes on me.

"She feels it too," Delaney said, "When you stare that hard at a girl, it's hard not to."

"Fuck you," Noah said.

Jody and I both giggled.

It was the first time I can recall him saying a bad word.

Was it wrong that I liked it?

"Baird," I said, "Do we have to have these meetings so far apart?"

"It is just protocol," he said, "And there are others besides you that have these meetings."

"I couldn't just come by to visit?" I asked.

"Not without a chaperone," he said, "You are still too new into the program, the fact that you are already going to these lengths…"

He stopped to look at each of us.

"Is vexing," he sighed, "Or an excellent sign."

"If I would have known that annoying you was such a good thing," Noah said, "I would have done it a lot sooner."

"Shush," I said as I nudged him.

He grinned at me. I could see the sedative wearing off a little.

"Now is not the time for jokes," Baird stated, "We must do something about this."

"Go talk to Dr. Olsen," Delaney said, "I can keep them safe if I need to, and Steven can keep an eye on us."

"This situation will require a lengthy discussion."

I could hear the finality in his tone.

"I've got time," I said.

Today is Saturday, and Andre has the boys. I really did have all day.

Baird didn't look too happy about my response, but I didn't care.

"And what if your match incites a reaction?" Baird asked Delaney.

Noah sat up all the way, "Then I will hold him back."

Baird actually frowned.

"This situation might not end in your favor," he stated.

"Then at least we can say we tried," Jody said.

Baird let out a sigh, "I will be back."

We all exchanged looks.

"You will need to detangle yourself from Shay first," Baird said, "And you will need to keep your hands to yourself."

"I'm still under the effects of the sedative," Noah stated, "But the second I can, I will move away."

"Shay," Baird said.

"If I move now, he could fall," I stated.

"The trouble you four are going to get into," he said, "I can tell will be a lot, and I will bald as the result of it."

"Bye, Baird," Noah said.

I was surprised when he actually turned and left.

"Fuck," Delaney said, "Did that actually happen?"

"This hasn't happened before?" Jody asked.

"Not that I've ever heard of," Delaney said.

"Hopefully, this works out in our favor," I said.

"I second that," Jody said.

"Third," Delaney said.

"It won't," Noah said, "Olsen doesn't give a fuck about how we feel."

My positivity was deflated a bit.

"It may not work out completely," I said, "But more contact will be a gift."

"That's true," he said.

"So, how did this happen?" Jody asked.

My gaze went to the ground.

"What did you do?" Jody asked accusingly.

Noah didn't say anything, and I appreciated that.

"He saw them," I stated.

She looked a bit confused at first, but then she gasped.

"How the fuck did he see them?" she demanded.

She looked at us again before pointing.

First, her finger went to Noah, then down at me.

"He saw your bare nipples, didn't he?" she asked.

Both of the boys were silent.

This was a conversation they would probably be too interested in.

"Yes," I admitted.

"So that's all it takes then?" she asked, "A nip slip and then bam? One-way ticket to Devil town?"

"It was a little more than that," I admitted.

I realized I shouldn't have said it.

Her eyes locked with mine, and I could see the evil grin on her face.

"Do you want to elaborate on that?" she asked.

I cleared my throat, "Not really.

"Noah?" she asked.

His head went back to my shoulder. He was embarrassed, and I felt terrible.

"Delaney?" Jody asked.

"I wasn't even there," he said defensively.

"I know, but it gave me an excuse to look at you," she said, "You're too cute."

I coughed.

"Shut up," she said.

"Whatever," I said, "Cutie."

She glared at me.

"You're the one dropping the cute bombs," I said.

Jody looked at me, and I could see on her face that she was thinking hard about something.

"You're avoiding," she stated, "He touched them, didn't he?"

I had to cover my face with my hands.

Noah's grip around me tightened.

"You sly dog," Jody said.

I was beyond embarrassed. More so for the boy who didn't know me very well, and now he knows that his friend just touched my tits.

"What?" Jody asked, "I don't think any of us are virgins, right?"

I glanced at Noah. I didn't think that he was a virgin at all.

Not when he was dripping with sex appeal.

I know it was wrong to say it, but if it weren't for all this bullshit, I would have taken this boy to bed already.

That is saying a lot. I have only ever had sex with two boys in my entire life. I wanted Noah.

Really, really, want Noah.

It was crazy to me too. I just didn't know how else to explain in.

Maybe I know that he is my soulmate too.

Maybe not my brain, but my body does?

"No," Noah said, "I guess not."

His voice sounded a little weird.

Was that jealousy?