The Irresistible

The Irresistible (excerpt)

Sonja Blonde

Liz couldn’t believe her eyes when she stepped through the door of the spacious apartment.

“I never would’ve imagined there were actual apartments in a train station. And this big… it’s unreal.”

She looked around in amazement at the open-plan living room and kitchen. The mismatched furniture and worn-out walls clearly showed the passage of time, yet there was something surprisingly homey about it.

“Would you like to take a shower?” Xavier asked politely. “You must be freezing after all that rain. I’ll make you some tea in the meantime, if you’d like.”

“That sounds great, thank you,” Liz replied, grateful for the offer. She tried not to think too much about the risk she was taking. Showering in the apartment of three strangers, completely vulnerable.

The bathroom had two doors so it could be accessed from either of the bedrooms. A small stool had been pushed in front of one of them to block it from the inside. The weak water pressure took the joy out of showering, so Liz hurried. She pulled out her toothbrush from her backpack — which she had packed with very different intentions earlier that day — and chuckled softly to herself. If someone else told her this story, she wouldn’t believe it. It all sounded completely insane.

By the time she was done, Emily and Daniel had already gone to their room. Xavier had also made himself comfortable — wearing only tight boxer briefs — and was stirring a fragrant tea. Liz grew flustered, though the boy’s demeanor was anything but suggestive. Xavier clearly had no idea of his own appeal — or at least didn’t care. He made no fuss about his lean, well-proportioned physique or strikingly handsome features.

When he saw her, he smiled.

“I’m glad you’re here,” he whispered, careful not to disturb his sleeping housemates.

“Thank you,” Liz whispered back. “Will you tell me how long you’ve been living here?”

Xavier perched on the bed beneath the window, covering it with a threadbare blanket, then propped a thick pillow against the wall so she could lean back comfortably. Liz gently placed the mug on a chair serving as a nightstand and sat down beside him.

“All three of us grew up in foster care, without parents. Once we came of age, we stayed under supervision for a while, working at a plant nursery. Most of our wages went to the home, and one day we decided we wanted to live on our own terms. By then, we were all over twenty, so we were free to leave. No one really cared where we went, even if we had no money or job. When we came here looking for work, the station manager took pity on us and let us stay. That was four years ago. Emily cleans, Daniel does maintenance work at the station. I deliver food for a diner. So far, no one’s really noticed us — and we do our best to be worthy of the trust. The guy at the café gives us the leftovers every night. I think he suspects we’re staying here, but he pretends not to. We’re not allowed to talk about this to anyone. You’re the first I’ve ever told. I feel like I can trust you… there’s something about you. You have this rare energy. I’ve never met anyone like you.”

Liz stared at Xavier, stunned.

“You don’t even know me. For all you know, I could go blabbing to the papers about how the city’s secretly housing three homeless people with taxpayer money.”

Xavier laughed and quickly clapped a hand over his mouth. He paused for a second, listening to make sure he hadn’t woken anyone.

“Believe me, after everything I’ve been through, I can spot bad people a mile away. And I recognize the good ones instantly.” He looked straight into her eyes. “So… what about you? What’s your story?”

Liz lifted the mug to her lips and took a slow sip of the still-hot tea. She stared into space, silent for a long time before answering.

“My life isn’t as exciting as yours. I’ve lived in a bubble my whole life—and I still do. Sometimes I try to break out, but I’m too much of a coward to actually go through with it. I’m used to everything being within arm’s reach. I’ve never really had to fight for anything.”

“What would you do if you could break out?”

“Honestly?”

“The most honest.”

“I’d move to an island. One so small that no matter which direction you look, you can always see the ocean.”

A strange expression crossed Xavier’s face, as if he didn’t quite believe what he was hearing.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Liz asked, suddenly self-conscious. “You think I’m crazy, don’t you?”

Xavier shook his head.

“I’m just amazed. You show up in the middle of the night, soaked to the bone, and it turns out… you’re after my island.”

“What do you mean?” Liz asked, raising a tired eyebrow.

“I already picked it out — the exact Atlantic island where I’ll open a candy shop if I ever win the lottery. It’s right there.” He pointed to a torn-out calendar photo pinned above his head.

Liz shrugged.

“If there’s room for two, I’d be happy to share the island with you.”

“I’ll think about it. Lately, I’ve been planning to go alone,” Xavier said, flashing a mysterious smile.

Liz was too exhausted for daydreaming. She’d had a terrible day, and the events had left her completely drained. All she wanted was comfort and someone to hold her.

“I want to sleep with you,” she blurted suddenly, making the boy’s mouth drop open in surprise.

“What?!”

“Oh, come on. I’m guessing that’s why you brought me here…”

“Honestly, I just felt sorry for you—soaked to the skin, almost hit by a train.”

For a brief moment, Liz hesitated, but in truth, she didn’t care what he wanted. She was used to getting whoever she desired in no time. And she was sure Xavier found her attractive—she could clearly read it in his eyes. So she didn’t hesitate long. She kissed the strange boy gently yet firmly, taking the lead. Liz softly sucked his lower lip, holding it between hers, while her hands began caressing his muscular chest. Her fingers soon found his hardened nipples, drawing a deep sigh from Xavier. Liz’s tongue slipped eagerly into his mouth as she slowly slid into his lap. The moment she felt the hardness pressing between her thighs, a rush of euphoric heat flooded her. With a swift motion, she pulled off his briefs.