Free Because You're Mine by K. Langston

suggestive tone made me blush. The lyrics shot straight to the heart of what I had been feeling since meeting Holden. The words, slow , fire , and burn reverberated throughout my body.
    Remembering that Holden had asked me question, I turned my eyes back to his. “They’re good. I like this song.”
                  “Me too.” His fingers dug into my hips, pulling me closer.
                  “I want you, Maddie. Fuck, I want you so bad.”
                  Sucking in a deep breath, I swallowed hard. Holden’s abrupt honestly about his feelings begged for the same in return. And I wanted to reciprocate. But I couldn’t do that. I was too afraid. Afraid of what this would become. I pushed against his chest, trying to gain some distance. He was good at drawing me in, making it impossible for me to think clearly.
                  “Holden, I think we should just be friends.”
    The song ended and I tried to leave his arms, but he just held on tighter. My hands rested on his forearms as I leaned my upper body away from his. He was suddenly too close, and the only thing I wanted to do was run. It felt way too good being in his arms. That was scaring the shit out of me. “Don’t pull away from me, Maddie.” His blue eyes turned fierce.
    Intent .
                  “I need to go. Katy’s probably wonderin’ where I am.” He refused to let me go. Fear and excitement danced in my veins.
    “She’s fine. She’s talkin’ to Archer. See.”
    Indeed, Archer was bent down at our table. I looked back up at Holden, relaxing in his arms slightly. That smile I was growing to like so much played with the corners of his lips and his eyes gleamed with steel determination.
                  “Shouldn’t you be workin’?” I asked, trying anything to get away.
                  “I’m on my break. Do you know how beautiful you are?” I’d been told I was beautiful before. But the way Holden said it, the words seemed to hold more meaning. Heat flooded my face under his hot gaze. “It doesn’t help when you blush like that either, babe.” He took my arms and placed them back around his neck, pulling me closer.
                  “Do you always say the first thing that pops into your head?” I asked incredulously. He was always so straight forward and blunt. I liked that about him.
    A lot.
                  “Yes. I don’t have time to pussy foot around. I like you. I like you a lot . I’m not afraid to admit that.”
                  “I like you too, Holden. But this can never work. You know that right? We’re two completely different people going in two completely different directions. This is pointless.” Disappointment churned deep in my belly. Now, the thought of walking away from him irked me.
    What the hell was wrong with me?
    One minute I’m ready to run for the hills, and then the next I want to stay locked inside his arms forever. I shook my head at his chest.
    This was crazy .
    His firm fingers found my chin, claiming my eyes once more. “This is not pointless, Maddie. This…this is so much more.” Holden leaned down and pulled two soft kisses from my lips. It wasn’t nearly enough to satisfy me. I leaned in for more, but he let me go. Turning on a heel, he walked towards the back of the bar.
    Deep down, I knew the sparks flying back and forth between us meant something . I was just afraid to find out what that something was.
    I saw him a few more times throughout the night. Each time tucked away in some dark corner of the bar, watching me. I desperately wanted to approach him. I wanted to beg him to take me home with him tonight and have his way with me. But I thought better of it. One time with him wouldn’t even begin to scratch the surface. That was the only thing I wasn’t afraid to admit to myself.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
CHAPTER nine

     
    For it was not my ear you