Chapter 78：New Arrangements

After getting some cold water and letting my nerves calm I look over to see Alec quietly watching me. "What?" I ask turning to him. "Are you still scared?" Alec asks leaning against the large fish tank. I watch as the tank's blue lights play across his attractive features highlighting his strong jawline.

"I'd be lying if I said no." Sigh "I can handle murderers, psychos, guns, and bombs but creepy crawlers that creep around at night and wait under beds? That is something I have a hard time handling..." I say looking out the large dark windows as rain continues to beat against it.

I sigh and take his hand. I let him lead me to his room but when we walk through the door I find myself freezing. He stops and turns to look at me in question. "You know the only reason I'm doing this is because of everything that's happened... right?" His smile grows as he says "Oh, I'm aware and don't worry. I'll keep you safe from them. With me around, they won't have a chance of touching you."

I nod and quickly pull my hand back. Alec is fighting his laughter as he pulls off his shirt and slowly crawls into the bed. I swallow at the sight and look around the dark room. Why was he taking his shirt off!? I look back to find him watching me with amusement. I grit my teeth and crawl into the bed next to him.

"Keep your hands to yourself..." I say in a weak voice that has Alec chuckling. Good lord his laugh literally makes my toes curl. "As you wish." He says in a low voice. After a few minutes, my heart rate begins to slow and I find myself growing tired.

The storm was still raging outside but feeling Alec's body heat under the covers made me feel warm and relaxed. Was I crazy for sleeping next to him? Maybe... probably but to be completely honest, I felt safe with Alec. I don't know why... but whenever I'm terrified he's the first person that comes to mind and he's the first person I go running to.

I look over to him and find him resting with his eyes closed. He wasn't sleeping though so I just silently watch. "Is something wrong?" Alec suddenly asks as he turns his head and opens his eyes to look at me. "Does it bother you to have me sleeping here with you?" I ask quietly.

He then turns over to fully face me. He reaches out and says "It does the complete opposite in fact. Having you lying next to me brings me comfort and joy. I can't tell you how many times I've dreamt of laying next to you and holding you in my arms... Maya... why do you always run from me?"

His long fingers gently run through my long hair as his eyes watch mine in the dark room. I feel myself pause at his question. Why am I always running from him? "Because I don't want to be hurt.." I say before I even realize what I've said.

His hand pauses before his places his large warm palm on my cheek as he says "I won't hurt you, Maya... I would do everything in my power to keep you from getting hurt." I look into his dark eyes and feel myself faltering. Would dating Alec really be that bad?

"Maybe I can give this a chance... but I won't make any promises..." I say in a small voice that has Alec freezing. He suddenly pulls me to him and wraps me in a strong embrace as he places a kiss on my forehead. I stiffen in his arms but when I feel him smile against my forehead I ease up a little.

"That's all I can ask for Maya, thank you," Alec says as he pulls me even closer resting his chin on top of my head. I look at this collarbone and chest but when I feel him snuggling closer I feel myself relaxing. As long as he wasn't going to do anything else...

I close my eyes and take a deep breath enjoying his smell. It was an old familiar smell that brought back old memories. I quickly shake my thoughts and relax in his arms... I felt so safe and whole. This is something I could definitely get used to.