chapter seven

Maris's pov

Sunshine poured through the binds as my eyes fluttered open. The fireplace was reduced to nothing but glowing embers and the flat screen above was as black as night.

Jude's pitch black curls rested on the sofa's edge, underneath his broad forearm, in the exact spot he sat when I dozed off. I smiled as his face remained buried in his flesh and the cushion breathing as deeply and slowly as could be.

He must have slept using the couch as a pillow and sitting up like this all night. I could live in this movement. Watch him sleep for decades. I have always had a connection with Jude but with each I spend with him, each kiss and each longing stare. It seems to grow. What it's growing into, however I'm unsure but it's getting hard to be his friend.

I took a deep breath and stroked his hair. Jude stirred beneath my fingers. His head raised from the sofa and my fingertips slipped to his cheek.

I smiled "Hi"

"Hey" his lids fluttered, struggling to adjust to dawn.

His phone suddenly sang from the glass coffee table. Our gaze broke as he rubbed his eyes and claimed his cell. I could see the caller ID. Jude glanced at me, took an anxious breath and swiped the red button.

"Who was that" I asked

,"Nobody"

He pulled the device from his ear immediately turning his attention to me. The stress in his eyes instantly invoked a tightening sensation in my chest.

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City lights surrounded me in the back seat as I shuffled through my wallet, scraping together the ten dollars I owed the cab driver. I handed the bills upfront and thanked the man behind the wheel.

I strolled onto the bricked sidewalk, holding the casual wandering folks on the walkway meeting the group at the restaurant's entrance.

A medium sized red awning was hoisted above the glass doors lined with franchellie's in cursive and warm white lighting poured through the giant shop windows flaunting elegance table setting and white tablecloths. I had a date with Miracle, the guy I met at the party.

Miracle sat across from me. Thick pale table clips lined our rectangular table and had an elegant candle rested in it's center. Soft violin and acoustic guitar streamed overhead crafting the perfect romantic ambience.

A waitress approached with a pitcher of ice water he began seizing each tall glass and filling them to their brims one by one. His black dress pants,white button down and black tie hovered beside our table to my left.

"Would the two of you like anything to drink other than water?" he asked.

"Uhh yes please " I said"I will take a glass of white wine"

"Uhm sorry she doesn't take alcohol" a voice said. I turned around and lo and behold it was Jude.

"Yh water is fine thanks" I said in embarrassment.

I have a fucking with Miracle

"Why is he here?"

I pulled him by the end of his shirt as I dragged him with me into the bathroom.

"What are you doing?"

"Nothing"

"Oh please" I rolled my eyes

"I have a date with someone and you showed with no explanation and you also embarrassed me in front of my date, seriously?"

"Well....."

"Why are you ruining my date?"

"Don't tell me you actually like him?"

"What is your problem? you don't want to be in a relationship with me but you still wouldn't let me go out with other guys" I was boiling with anger.

"Don't raise your voice at me " he said.

"I'll do whatever I want with my voice, my time, my body and it's none of your business you have no right to interfere in my life or tell me what to do, Fuck off"

I pushed him, as I walked back into the restroom, upon reaching the table Miracle was gone, I wouldn't blame him though. I grabbed my purse and left.

I wonder what he wants he doesn't want to be committed to me but he still wouldn't let me be with other guys.