Fallen Melody: Fallen: Book 1

by Layna Snow

  “My name isn’t Sweetie, or Kitten—Caleb sometimes calls me that. Do you know why?”

  Emily smiled, she appeared as if she knew something sinful that Melody did not. “They are names you use in addition to your own. It is kind of like...a friendly term you use with only one or certain people... do you know what I mean?” she asked, her head cocked to the side.

  Melody thought she did know what the girl meant. Seth called Caleb ‘Cay’ sometimes. It was meant as a noun. It must be because they are friends. She thought of them as Warrior and Commander, which fit. “But why does he call me Kitten?”

  Emily smiled, that mischievous smile again. “I think he likes you. Do you like him?”

  Melody thought for a moment before nodding. “Yes. I do enjoy spending time with him. And he seems to tolerate me.”

  The other girl laughed again, all the while shaking her head. “No, that’s not what I mean! He wants you. He wants to jump your bones!” Melody was horrified. He wanted to jump on her bones? Emily must have seen the look because she laughed more before continuing, “no, not literally! He wants to touch you and have sex with you. Knowing Cay, he probably wants to be your boyfriend. Despite his loverboy appearance, he is a softy at heart.”

  Melody didn’t understand much of that but nodded. Melody knew somewhat about sex, just what she learned as an Angel—which probably was not much. She wondered if that was the thing she felt the need for. This was the question she meant to ask Emily in the first place. The reason they were out there.

  “I have this tingly feeling sometimes. Is that what you are talking about?”

  Melody could see pity in the girl’s eyes, a look of concern crossing her face. “Oh honey, they really didn’t teach you anything. Next time I come over I will bring you some magazines. We will go over them. Then you can ask whatever you want. I love the articles in some of them. They can be so interesting and helpful. We can bake a cake, read them, and then you will know what you need to know! For now, I suggest you flirt. Err. Do whatever feels right.” She left off, before turning to walk down the driveway.

  It was warm out, but Emily seemed dressed for walking. She had on shorts and an emerald green top on. She also pulled something out of her backpack. Melody wondered where she lived. There was so much about this town that she didn’t know yet. And she intended to find out. Eventually.

  Melody went back into the house, closing the door behind her.

  She had just stepped into the entryway when she heard the guys talking. They did this a lot, moving into another room before they started to discuss her. They must not realize that the house, as large as it was, echoed, amplifying the sound. Today, they had moved into the office.

  Melody walked quietly towards that room. She wanted to know what they were talking about. When close enough, she stuck her ear to the door. She didn’t know if that helped, or if it was just the proximity but she could hear their conversation.

  “...not just the healing. The wounds on her back. They substantiate her story. It did look like wings had been removed. Where the bone showed it looked like a joint of some kind.” Seth was saying, his voice quick in his excitement.

  “So, you believe she’s an Angel? Come on Seth. You never believed this crap before. You’re the analytical one. You can’t be telling me that, not only are there Angels, but Mel is one.” Caleb returned. His doubt hurt Melody. She thought that they believed her. How could they not? She could feel something sharp and twisting in her chest. It felt like pain and disappointment, surely caused by Caleb’s betrayal.

  “I am being analytical. I am taking into account all the evidence presented before me. She can heal quickly. She appears to have had wings, which are missing now. She came from somewhere. She does not know regular things, nor has she talked about anyone outside her Angel friends. She is deeply religious and the fact is that her mood seems stable, and so do her beliefs. We will not get any other evidence. God will not come down and personally tell us. We need to make a judgement.”

  It took a moment for Caleb to answer, and when he did, his response didn’t make much sense to Melody. “Alright. I’ll accept that. But what about Tim. Surely you can’t mean to run tests now?”

  “He didn’t answer my email. I didn’t write too much in it, so even if he receives it later, it won’t be a problem. I just mostly asked to consult with him and mentioned that it had been a while since we talked.”

  Melody was relieved. They believed her. They did not take her trust and trample on it. It was all a misunderstanding between the boys. It had to have been. They just didn’t know how each other felt. Melody released a long sigh and moved away from the door. It would be best not to appear as if she had been listening.

  Melody walked back through the room into the kitchen. It was almost time for dinner and she knew that she had to get started. The boys would be hungry. After deciding on pasta, Melody gathered her long hair into a bundle at the back of her head, securing it with a circle elastic that Emily had called a ponytail. She then washed her hands and got down to work.

  It wasn’t long before the boys left the office on the other side of the great-room. She watched as Seth strode across the room and left the house. “Where is he going?” Melody asked, annoyed that he was leaving so close to dinner time.

  Caleb went as far as the couch before dropping down onto the soft cushions. He turned his head to look at her, and gave her one of his disarming smiles. “He is just going to check things out in the clinic. He’ll be back soon.” He answered before his smile reappeared. “Now come here.”

  Melody laughed a little. Caleb was constantly calling her to him, using his voice and his charm as a lure. Usually they just watched movies or talked. He listened to her stories about people she had judged and Angels she had spent time with. But nothing seemed as exciting as this Human life.

  “I have to cook.” She pleaded, but found herself moving forward, the pot on the counter forgotten.

  “You didn’t turn a burner on yet, it will keep.” He argued, patting his lap.

  He was right, and Melody could never resist spending time with him.

  She scampered over, moving as quickly as she could without running. And laughed as Caleb pulled her into his lap. The denim was rough against her bare legs as they lay across his lap. She didn’t mind in the slightest that the durable material rubbed against her skin, nor did she care that his hard legs made an uncomfortable seat. He was warm, inspiring a tingly feeling along her skin.

  Caleb pulled her close to his chest so that her shoulder touched the broad slabs of muscle along his torso. She loved being close to him. Loved the scent of him. Loved the feeling of his warm breath as he leaned down and whispered against her hair.

  “I like these new clothes you’re wearing. And I see Emily taught you how to take care of this beautiful hair.” He said, his hand tugging at the elastic at the base of her neck. Melody never realized that it would take so long to brush her hair, since it was just long enough to cover her breasts if she pulled it forward.

  “I might cut it shorter.” She murmured, twisting her body to the side so that she could lean her face against his chest. It was just so hot and the sound of his heart beating so strongly caused her stomach muscles to tighten and for butterflies to fill her tummy.

  “I’d rather you don’t. I really like it. You wouldn’t want me to cut my hair, would you?” he asked, rubbing his jaw along her head. The slight stubble caught on some pieces of hair and somehow stimulating her head, making her skin even more tingly.

  “No, I wouldn’t want you to cut it. I like it. I like Seth’s too.” She said, thinking of the other man. She couldn’t help it. He had the prettiest hair. It was dark, wavy and thick. She thought about running her hands through it a time or two—or a hundred.

  “Seth’s huh? Yeah. His is pretty nice. I think he forgets to cut it, too busy running the clinic.” Caleb muttered, seeming deep in thought.

  His arms were loose against her, as if allowing her to lea
ve if she wanted, but she didn’t. Just feeling his skin against her, even if it was through a layer of clothing, made her feel warm inside. Her heart beat a little too quickly and her skin felt too sensitive under her clothes.

  Melody rested a hand on his warm chest and all but purred her contentment—as she’d seen cats do on television. It felt right to be sitting this way with him, although she did feel like she was missing something.

  Melody felt his lips press against her hair, light but sure, his breath stirring the strands a little. She then felt a wonderful soft press of lips against her temple. And then her cheek. He seemed to be moving towards her lips, and Melody felt breathless excitement build up in her. He was going to kiss her lips, something she had never felt. She was so nervous and happy all at once. What would this feel like?

  His lips finally moved over hers, hovering just above them. She had tilted her head back to guide him there but still, he held back. His breath was minty, warm and exhilarating. She wanted him closer, wanted to feel his kiss.

  At last he leaned down a little more, touching his warm skin to hers. His lips feathered over hers, just giving her a hint of sensation that acted like tiny sparks inside her lips. She did not realize they were so sensitive.

  Melody closed her eyes as he moved again, pressing a little more but still with gentleness. He seemed worried that he would hurt or frighten her, but she was neither of those things. She was thrilled, excited. She felt like every nerve in her body came alive at the instant his lips touched hers. It felt amazing, and she wanted more.

  Mel followed Emily’s advice and did what felt right. She too pressed her lips to his, moving and kissing. She went on pure instinct pressing herself closer to him.

  At that time, Caleb seemed to take a cue from her, or was he just at the end of his patience? He kissed her more fully, more demandingly. He coaxed her lips into doing what he wanted and engaged fully.

  It was an amazing experience. Melody really didn’t know anything that could compare. She shared his minty breath, reveling in the feel of his body, skin and lips against her. She wanted more, but didn’t know how to take it.

  Caleb made a noise of impatience, and released her lips long enough to lift her into a better position, with her legs straddling his. This lit up more places on her body. Her breasts pressed against his chest, her nipples beading and getting more sensitive. She wanted to move them against him, something to continue the wonderful feeling, to intensify it. And at the juncture of her legs she could feel a weird achy feeling. It seemed to want pressure too and pressed up against something hard in his jeans, caused a lightning bolt of pleasure to flare. She wanted more, and Caleb gave it.

  He tightened his arm around her, pressing her more fully into him, trailing one hand into her hair to position her head just right. This gave a better contact, angling her mouth more against his. And then his tongue was there, licking at her bottom lip, and then the seam. He seemed to want in, was that normal?

  Oh, it didn’t matter to Melody if it was how other people did it. She just wanted to open to him, give him everything he wanted, in hopes that he would help this ache that he caused in her.

  So she let her lips open, allowing him entrance. And he took it, possessing her mouth and running his tongue along hers. He tasted sweet, and felt wonderful. She did not realize how –erotic? Yes, that was the appropriate word—that tongues could be. It was unreal and wonderful, making her want to participate more fully.

  Just then he pulled back. She could feel his rough breathing against her cheek as he wrapped both arms around her even tighter, as if he didn’t want to let her go. She could feel her own chest heaving, pulling air into her poor tortured lungs.

  “We should stop, Kitten. Slow down at least.” He said and then continued talking. But all Melody could hear was her blood pumping in her ears, her body screaming at her to do something, to move. Move? She laid her head against his chest, but that wasn’t enough. And then she remembered how good it felt when he kissed her skin. So she turned her head up to press her lips against his neck.

  She could feel his heart beating, and his muscles tense. She moved her lips along, loving the feel of touching him, of making him feel good. She wondered if he tasted as good as he smelled. Melody could not resist the temptation. Emily did tell her to do what felt right. So she flicked her tongue along his skin and revelled in the salty taste. She barely noticed his moan, as she nuzzled closer to do it again.

  7

  Caleb tried to take a deep breath, he needed to get himself under control, but both were impossible with Melody pressed so close against him. He could feel her nipples rubbing against his chest as she moved. Between kisses he could feel her breath on his neck, as if in forewarning, priming his nerves for the sensations to come.

  It would be so easy to go further, to undress her and take her right there on the couch. Hell, she obviously wanted him, and he wanted her more than anything – fuck was he as hard as a steel pole. But he knew deep down that she wasn’t ready. This was her first kiss, he could tell by her untutored, but enthusiastic, response. She couldn’t know if this decision was right, or even that there was a possibility of stopping. People kissed all the time. If she thought every kiss turned into sex, well that had unfortunate consequences he was sure.

  “Melody, you have to stop for now.” He cautioned, moving his hands to her shoulders to pull her away.

  He hadn’t even realized that he had closed his eyes, but when he opened them, his eyes fixed on Seth.

  Fuck. Caleb didn’t know he’d be back so soon. “Shit, Seth. Sorry.” He groaned, and tried once again to shrug Melody off. But she was holding onto him so tightly, wrapping a hand around his neck to keep him close. She had her knees gripping his legs in order to press her pussy against his cock. Shit was she hot, and so passionate it was killing him, making it impossible for him to think.

  He dragged breath back into his lungs and focused on Seth again. He was just standing there. He wasn’t moving, hell, his muscles were so tense Caleb thought that he’d break if someone touched him.

  The situation reminded him of a few days before, when he was at the store during a thunderstorm and returned to find Melody cowering in Seth’s bewildered embrace. He knew that he should have felt jealous. Cay obviously had showed his intentions. Hell, he already thought of her as his. But instead of anger and envy, he felt happy. At the time he didn’t know why, but he thought it through since then; Seth was basically an extension of him. They had been inseparable since they were young. They basically were two halves of one person, with two different bodies.

  Caleb shared everything with Seth. Was he really thinking about sharing Melody?

  Seth didn’t seem opposed to it. He was staring at them with burning eyes. His cheeks were red and Caleb could see his pulse beat in the muscles in his clenched jaw.

  The older man’s eyes trailed down, and Caleb realized that Seth was watching his hands as they absently—and without his permission!—caressed Melody’s arms. All while Melody pressed and rubbed her body against his, obviously unaware of Seth’s presence.

  Fuck this was messed up. Caleb didn’t know what to do or think. It took all his energy to not give into the promise of the Heaven he’d find in Melody’s body.

  “Melody, stop. Babe, we need to stop now. We should talk.” He couldn’t believe he was stopping a beautiful, sexy girl from having her way with him. But Melody was more important.

  However she wasn’t listening, instead she took the opportunity to grab Caleb’s hair in order to pull his mouth back to hers.

  Out of the corner of his eye, Caleb noticed that Seth had taken a step toward them. He was watching them intensely, in a way that Caleb had never seen him look at anyone before, not even Lucy. This situation seemed like it went on forever, with Melody all over him and Seth just standing there, but he was sure it had to have only been a few minutes.

  Fuck, this wasn’t right. No matter how much he just wanted to strip her and sink into her heat
, to bury his cock in her body and listen to her make those sounds of amazed pleasure. He just couldn’t do that to her, or to Seth. He had to make a decision now.

  Caleb sighed and wrapped his hand in Melody’s silky hair in order to urge her gently away from him. “Honey, you have no idea how much I want to continue this but we have to talk first. Alright?” He asked, using his other hand to tilt her chin up to look at him.

  At first her eyes seemed glazed. Oh, and the flush on her cheeks looked hot as hell. He had to repeat himself a few times until she was able to pull herself from the moment. But finally her body stilled and she looked at him, her whole face showing her confusion.

  “Talk?” She asked, her voice rough and breathy. And damn was that ever sexy.

  Caleb nodded and turned his face up to Seth, who was pulling himself from his own desires. “I think we should all talk.”

  Melody jumped a little and twisted to see Seth. Her face showed surprise and flared to a pretty pink colour. Embarrassment looked good on her. Well then again so did everything else.

  Looking back at Seth, Cay could read guilt and he could tell that the man was uncomfortable. But shit, Caleb was uncomfortable too. For a moment he felt sure that Seth would run, but he just calmly walked over and sat in the chair adjacent to the couch. He nodded, dejected, as if sure that he would receive an angry tirade from Caleb. Damn, he should give him hell, but no, that would be taking the easy way out.

  He had to get this over with, like pulling off a bandage. “Seth, man. I.. I just need to ask. Alright? Do you like Mel?” He could see the confusion on his friend’s face.

  “Yeah, of course I like her. I don’t know where you are going with this.”

  Caleb shook his head. “No. I mean. Shit. Are you into her? Do you..” he said before turning back to Melody, “Forgive my harsh words, baby.” Damn. He didn’t want to do this but he had to say it flat out, to understand. “Seth, do you want to fuck her?”