Jamal's POV

Recap

....No. Not today.

I dropped the gouache on a stool and took Elyon's hands, pulling her so she was facing me and backing the work table. She gasped and fisted my singlet vest to steady herself  from falling.

I gently pushed her against the table, trapping her between it and my self. I placed both my hands on either sides of her, completely trapping her. She looked at me, her eyes holding too much emotions, it was terrifying and exciting, a bittersweet feeling. I tried not to push myself against her too tight, but her body was flushed against mine and her palm on my chest didn't make but any easier to keep my hand off her. I looked at her, angling my face closer to her.

"You are never this tensed when you are close to me." I told her and she exhaled, obviously trying to calm her racing her that I could feel thumping loudly against my chest.

"This is different." She whispered, placing her lip in between her teeth, a nervous gesture which did nothing but fuel the fire in me.

"Really..." I whispered back, moving closer to her. She didn't stop me, her eyes watched me instead, calculating. "How different?" I asked and she gave a small smile.

"You know what I mean, Jamal." She muttered and I saw her eyes flicker to my lips then back to my face.

"What's going on in your head?" I asked and she looked away. I took my right hand and placed it gently on her chin, turning her face to look at me. I didn't take it off, instead traced it behind her neck, to cup her face. "You can tell me." I whispered and she smiled a bit.

"I'm asking myself if you are going to kiss me." She unconsciously pushed herself against me and I almost cussed as her body did things to me, made me feel things I've never felt. I moved closer, titling my head and lowering it to hers. Her head followed my lead, moving closer to mine as well.

"Do you want me to kiss you, Elyon?" I asked, her name rolling off my tongue like sweet molten lava.

"Yeah..." She muttered, nodding slowly but eagerly. I chuckled, brushing my lips slightly against her, taking my time. I felt her shudder against me as her eyes fluttered close and I sighed in bliss at the effect I had on her.

"That's good then..." I murmured huskily.

"...because I've been dying to kiss you." I said, leaning in completely...

....and pressed my lips against hers.

*****

Oh God!

My heart flipped a thousand times as soon as my lips pressed against hers.

Damn!

I angled my head, keeping my right hand on the back of her neck and slowly moved my lips against her in a tender manner. She followed my lead, kissing me back slowly but with equal intensity that excited me to the core. I've never been a slow kisser, courtesy of Tolani. But trying it out for the first time ever, I didn't want to stop.

It felt so passionate...

So intimate

Her lips moved softly against mine and I groaned at how good, how tender her lips felt against mine. It gave me goosebumps, it made me feel hot all over. I gripped the side of the table with my left hand because I didn't trust my self to touch her at all.

A low growl escaped my throat when she slowly traced her hand up chest, brushing her fingers against my pecs, pushing me over the edge, her hand making it's way to wrap around my neck, pulling my face closer, surprising me.  I didn't want to amp things up just yet, so I resulted into slow kisses, slowly moving my lips to stroke hers. I wove my fingers through her hair, massaging her scalp with the tip of my fingers, earning a moan from her. That moan hit different

It sounded so good.

Her teeth grazed against my lips and I took in a sharp breath, the sensation that simple action brought coursed through my veins on another level entirely. I was trying not to amp it up but she wasn't making it easy, running her tongue over my lower lip, tugging gently against it, pushing me over the edge. I was shocked at her boldness but it was also a huge turn on. She was pushing to be in control and I gave her that, I let her be in control. I parted my lips slightly and gave her entrance.

Fück!

The tip of her tongue evaded my mouth, it seemed like she didn't want to rush and I loved it. I loved the fact that she wanted to take her time, I wanted us to take our time. I aided her, parting my lips a bit more and pushing my tongue slightly to meet hers. She gasped, like she wasn't expecting it and I felt myself smirk. She was quick to recover, consciously twirling her tongue with mine and that simple gesture made toes curl.

I reached behind her and swiftly pushed all the materials away from the table caring less if they fall down, to make room, not breaking from the kiss at all. I then crouched, putting my hand on either side of her thigh and hoisting her up, to seat on the table and me standing between her legs, all this while not breaking from the kiss. We resulted into slow open mouth kisses, tongues stroking against each other, the feeling it brought was unexplainable. My chest felt contracted from all the emotions that were flowing through me.

Love.

Admiration.

Care...

No lust...for once.

The way Elyon moved her lips against mine as she played with the hair at the back of my neck made my legs jelly. She knew how to kiss and she knew how to do it very well. She was a passionate kisser and I've never had someone kiss me with so much emotion, so much sensuality, it excited me. My hand rested on her thigh, feeling the goosebumps on them. I ran my fingers on them and felt her shudder against me, moaning softly and I growled, registering that sensual sound in my head...

...hoping to hear it from her lips again...

I didn't want to stop kissing her... It was becoming addictive and I loved this new addiction.

"Are you guys in there?!" Skye's voice pierced through our chemistry bubble and I groaned in frustration, but didn't stop kissing Elyon. It was obvious she didn't want to stop either.

A loud knock rang through the air and I sighed, pulling away slightly from Elyon, tugging on her lower lip sensually, pulling at it gently before I finally let go. That action earned a giggle from her lips as she buried her face in my neck, her heavy breathing tickling my skin. I took my hand to her waist, also trying to catch my breath. Thankfully the door was locked which meant Skye couldn't enter.

"You good?" I whispered to Elyon, my lips brushing against her earlobe and I heard her sigh as she nodded.

"Guys!" Skye knocked loudly and I glared at the door.

"Chill. We will be out in a minute." I snapped at her.

"Hope you guys are not making babies sha, this one that you locked door. Hmmm." Skye's teasing voice came through the door again and I groaned. Elyon laughed softly and I felt my lips stretch in a smile.

"Skye, get out." I told Skye who just hissed before we heard retreating footsteps.

I smiled as Elyon raised her head, her eyes meeting mine. Her pupils looked dilated and her lips were swollen and pink, giving me the urge to kiss her again. I was pretty sure I mirrored the exact same expression, seeing the way her flickered to my lips severally. She looked happy and it made me smile even wider. I leaned closer and touched my forehead to hers, sighing in relief. It was about damn time.

"You have, no idea how long I've been wanting to do that." I said breathlessly and she smiled, her eyes sparkling.

"I think I have a pretty good idea." She replied, her hand coming to rest on the side of my face. I looked at her, her eyes were also watching me. I took one of my hand from her waist and wove it through her hair, playing with her curls. I saw her eyes flutter softly.

Tell her.

"Elyon, I..." I started but shook my head as the words left my head. The way she was looking at me like a precious gem didn't help matters as I shuddered under I gaze.

I've never been one to express my feelings and now I wanted to do it in the most romantic way. I cleared my throat again and made to talk.

"Tiwa, I really..." I started again but she shook her head, shushing me. Her hand came to wrap around my neck, pulling my head closer.

"It's okay... I really like you too." She said and I widened my eyes at the revelation.

She likes me?

No, she said she really likes me!

She really likes me!

But you love her. My subconscious reminded me.

I don't want to scare her away, let's start small.

"You have no idea how happy I am to hear that." I told her, my eyes glistening with happiness and she laughed.

"Do we seal it with another kiss then?" She asked me teasingly and I nodded eagerly. Anything to kiss her again, I'm in.

"Yes, please." I whispered, tilting myhead to the side, brushing my lips against hers...

Bang, bang, bang!

An aggressive knock came to the door and I groaned.

I'll kill Skye one day. I swear.

"Skye, go away!" I snapped.

"Skye, bi ti bawo?" My mum's voice came through the door instead and I widened my eyes. Elyon covered her mouth to keep her from laughing.

"Mummy, I did not know it was you." I said, holding Elyon by her waist and helping her down from the table gently.

"You better get out of that place. Lunch is ready. You need to take your drug." She instructed. Elyon laughed, causing me to throw her a mock glare. She covered her mouth, muffling her laughter.

"Is that Elyon? Hope you are not disturbing her sha. I know you are a trouble maker." Mum asked, totally clueless. Mischief flashed in my eyes and I smirked. Elyon noticed it and widened her eyes, knowing I was up to no good. I made to speak but she was quick to cover my mouth.

"No ma, Jamal is being a good boy." She smirked at me and I raised my eyebrow at the suggestive tone in her voice.

"Better. Oya, both of you should come and eat." Mum said and we heard retreating foot steps. Elyon glared at me as she removed her hand from my mouth and I laughed.

"You have a dirty mind." She nudged me, moving to unlock the door.

"I didn't even say anything." I defended, laughter laced in my voice.

"You didn't have to." She turned the key and the lock moved. I moved quickly, pushing the door close as she tried to open it. She turned around and looked at me, pouting. "We have to go." She whined. I moved closer to her.

"Are you mad at me?" I asked her, pouting childishly and she laughed.

"Of course not. Why would I be?" She muttered and I shrugged. She tiptoed to reach close to my eye level, putting her hand around my neck. I watched her closely, a smirk tugged on my lips as she pulled my head down and pressed her lips against mine again. My hand rested on the door as I kissed her back.

I could get used to this.

My hand moved to find the key just as my lips moved sensually against hers. I found the keys and made to turn it, trying to lock us in again but her hand held mine as she pulled away slightly.

"We should really go." She muttered and I whined.

"Do we have to?" I whined and she chuckled, punching my tummy playfully and I retracted, smiling.

"Yes. We have to." She said, turning around and opening the door. I watched as she sashayed out, throwing me a look over her shoulder, a teasing look. I smiled as my chest bubbled with happiness.

This was everything I wanted.

*****

Mateo's POV

After the show down between Skye and Tolani, I've not been able to wrap my mind around what Skye told me, how hurt she sounded. I've been trying to get in touch with her, call her even but she has ghosted me. I picked up my phone and checked the numerous whatsapp messages I sent her.

And so many others till date. She read them all and still ignored them. I fell to my bed and groaned in frustration. Nice going Mateo. The only person that didn't think I was disgusting or a problem, I've succeeded in chasing the person away too. I suddenly became angry, so angry I wanted to throw my phone to the wall.

That's right! Get angry! Get upset! She left you. Just like the others. She thinks you are pathetic.

I was breathing heavily, the hoarse voice was back and it's words made my head feel like it was splitting. I painfully grabbed my head and shook it, trying to get the negative words to stop flowing.

"No, Skye cares about me! She doesn't fail to show it!" I screamed back and it laughed at me like I was a maniac. I was actually a maniac.

You think she cares about you? That's cute. Someone that cares about you would never leave you hanging!  It screamed at me and I felt myself tumble to the floor, groaning in pure agony. No one was at home so it was just me and my broken mind.

I need something to keep my mind trapped once again.

I crawled hastily to my drawer and began to rummage through, looking for my starch of coke. I growled in anger and frustration, remembering that Skye had thrown them away because I promised I was going to abstain from them. Now I needed them.

The next best thing. What is the next best thing?!!! My mind screamed at me.

Sex.

I tumbled over and stood up, weak all over and took my keys. I picked my phone number and dialed a number. She picked in no time.

"Seems like you missed me." She cooed over the speaker.

"Are you home alone?" I asked her as I made my way out of the house and to the car.

"I'm always home alone baby." She cooed seductively. I entered the car and turned the ignition.

"I'll be there in a few." I didn't wait for her reply before I hung up and sped out of the compound and to the road like a maniac...

...that I was.

*****

Tolani was pretty eager to have me around. I on the other hand began to question all my life choices one of which was what exactly I was doing at Tolani's house. I accessed her dressing when we got in. Her outfit was obviously carefully picked, a bum short and tank top that revealed way too much, it would have made no difference if she was topless.

She took my hand and led me to her room, not that haven't been there because I have, multiple times but she just wanted to be a good host, literally. When we got her room, she locked the door and looked at me, her eyes glistening with lust and seduction as she walked up to me.

"You don't look too happy." She whispered, running her finger over the button of my adire shirt. My face gave away no expression. I held unto her hand that rested on my chest and looked at her.

"This means nothing Tolani." I told her and she smirked.

"Of course. It always means nothing." She brought her head closer to mine and her lips to my ear. "Let mama make you feel better." She growled out and pushed me on the bed. I expected that used my elbow to prop myself up.

She didn't wasted time before she climbed to the bed and straddled me, leaning in to kiss me and I met her half way, pressing my lips against hers in fervor. Tolani never went slow and what I needed wasn't slow either. I just needed to keep my mind occupied and she seemed like the right tool for the job.

Is this really how you want to get rid of your thoughts? By using a girl? Just because she sleeps around doesn't mean you should use her too. A familiar voice came to my mind and I frowned.

Fuck off! I shook my head, trying to get rid of the thoughts and focus of the task at hand.

Tolani was quick to unbutton my shirt and throw it to a side of the room. I returned the favour, slipping my arm into her top and lifting it off her, exposing her boobs to my face. She jiggled it in my face, expecting me to be excited but unlike before, I really wasn't moved.

See? You are not like this Mateo, this isn't you. The familiar voice was back and I growled shaking my head vigorously.

"Shut up!" I didn't know I shouted out until Tolani frowned and backer away from me.

"What?" She asked in confusion but I ignored her and got up from the bed.

You are better than this Mateo! You are a good guy! You have you demons but you can fight them. I'll help you. Just give me a chance.

The voice pleaded, it's soothing tone coursing through my veins and alerting all of my senses. Immediately, my eyes opened. I looked around, realizing I was no longer in my room. I looked to see an half naked Tolani, staring at me like I have lost my marbles.

What the hell am I doing here? I asked myself. I didn't wait, picking up my shirt and wearing it back. Tolani realized what was happening and rushed to touch me.

"Baby..." Her fingers touched my skin and I flinched.

"Don't ever touch me." I snapped at her and she flinched back, a shocked expression on her face. I picked up my things and rushed out the building. The voice kept playing in my head and I tried to register why it sounded so familiar.

As I started the ignition and drove out of the compound, just one question plagued my mind.

Who's voice is that?

******

Jamal's POV

"I'm in love with her." I announced immediately I entered into Faizal's office. I stopped short when I saw a nurse with him who looked at me like I was mental.

On a normal day I would have shot her a glare but I was extra joyful because today was Monday, so I grinned at her instead. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, the birds were chirping ever so sweetly.

Pause!

Okay, I'm lying. I still hated Mondays because they were the worst of the worst. Thankfully school doesn't start till tomorrow so I was free. I wanted to bring Elyon to meet my therapist, weird I know but I'm sure Faizal also wanted to meet her. She couldn't make it because she went shoe shopping with her mum and her sister.

"It's very nice to see you again as well, Jamal." Faizal said with sarcasm laced in his voice and I chuckled, rolling my eyes. The nurse left finally.

"Come on, you missed me. You can just drop the act and admit it." I plopped down on the chair and wiggled my eyebrows at him playful and he chuckled.

"Okay, fine. I missed you. Now, repeat what you said earlier." His amebo mode was on and I laughed.

"I'm in love with Elyon." I told him and he smiled.

"How do you know you are in love?" He asked me and I looked up thoughtfully.

"I know because I can't stop thinking about her." I told him and he nodded, nudging me to go on. I licked my suddenly dry lips. I've never been one to express my feelings out, but this was different.

Elyon is different

"I've been with girls, I've been with Tolani and I can say it boldly that what I've never felt for her what I feel for Elyon. Elyon is an angel, Faizal. She makes me feel so special, so unique, so...me..." I trailed off and Faizal grinned

"I cannot explain my feelings for her. They are so genuine and I never want to see her hurt. I know I'm in love with her. There is no one else I'd rather be in love with." I told him with all honesty.

"Wow! That was intense. Did you read that from a book?" He teased and I stretched my palm out to him.

"Yah mad!" I said and he laughed, me joining him few moments after.

"Honestly I'm happy for you. I've not seen you this happy in a while and I am certain she is good for you. She is a keeper. I was kinda worried I didn't hear anything since that whole Mateo fiasco. What happened?" He asked and I shrugged.

"Well, Mateo is no longer a threat or so I think...but there is something I am concerned about." I told Faizal and he urged me to continue.

"Skye seems to be getting closer to Mateo and it deeply worries me. I want to think positively but I also think Mateo is trying to use her to get to us." I said and he leaned back to his chair, caressing his chin thoughtfully.

"You said Skye is getting closer to Mateo, not the other way round right?" He asked me and I nodded, trying to figure where he was heading.

"Then I don't think you should be worried so much about Mateo. I think you should be more worried about Skye." He told me and I frowned.

"I don't understand." I told him and he chuckled.

"She is the one making the moves, isn't she?"

A/N
Last update for the week!

Since you pipu will not let me rest, I've updated chapter 23 AKA the kiss scene. I sha hope I bursted your brain small. Honestly, I spent all day working to make it perfect. Give me your honest comments.

Mateo is vexing me with his cluelessness fa! Abi who else is vexed. Because baba is not even seeing what is right in front of him. Thank God he didn't do the do with Queen Chlamydia.

Who sees a sense in what Faizal is saying about Skye and Mateo?

Don't forget to drop your comments, votes and also share with people. This is my last update for the week. I need a break and my fingers are sore. Oya clap for me, I try for una.

I'll be seeing you my lovelies, next week, whenever, I'm not sure sha but still next week. Stay safe and stay creamy.

Kisses. 😘😘

P. S. I want to give a shout out to Angel_A23 . ❤️❤️❤️ Check out her book "When she loves"